AR SB175

Requires occupational licensing entities with waiver authority to consider eight factors when reviewing criminal convictions: age at offense, circumstances, time elapsed, subsequent work history, employment references, character references, occupational relevance, and evidence that licensure does not threaten public health or safety.

Allows individuals to request a waiver of disqualification or revocation based on criminal offense convictions listed in Arkansas Code occupational licensing requirements.

Permits individuals to request an informal appearance before an occupational licensing entity before formally applying to determine if they would pass the criminal background check and qualify for a waiver under the new provisions.

Requires individuals requesting an informal appearance to pay for the cost of state and federal criminal background checks conducted by the occupational licensing entity.

Mandates occupational licensing entities to promulgate rules implementing these provisions by January 1, 2020, or as soon as practicable thereafter if Legislative Council approval has not occurred by that date.