AR HB1303

Creates the "Red Tape Reduction Occupational Licensing Relevance Criminal Background Check Act" to allow occupational licensing entities to consider occupational relevance when evaluating criminal background issues for licensure applicants.

Allows occupational licensing entities to waive disqualification or revocation of licensure for offenses listed in licensing requirements when applicants request waivers, based on factors including offense age, circumstances, time elapsed, work history, employment and character references, and offense relevance to the occupation.

Requires occupational education programs, training, and schools to establish criteria for determining whether applicants pass criminal background checks based on occupational licensure standards.

Mandates that applicants to occupational programs undergo state and federal criminal background checks upon application, with applicants responsible for payment of the background check costs.

References recommendations from Governor Asa Hutchinson's Red Tape Reduction Working Group, which included 17 appointed individuals tasked with reviewing occupational licensing regulations that create unnecessary barriers to labor market entry.