AR HB1520

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-3-102(b) to allow licensing entities to waive disqualification or revocation of a license based on criminal convictions if requested by an applicant or current licensee.

Establishes eight factors licensing entities may consider when granting waivers, including age at offense, circumstances, time elapsed, work history, employment and character references, relevance to the occupation, and evidence that licensure poses no public health or safety threat.

Exempts from waiver requirements individuals renewing licenses who either completed waiver requirements at initial licensure, held a valid license before the law's enactment, or were in school before July 24, 2019 and would have qualified for licensure by that date.

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-3-102(g) to exempt from disqualification individuals who held a valid license on July 24, 2019; held a valid license on or before that date but failed to renew; or were students pursuing licensure before July 24, 2019 and would have qualified by that date.

Approved April 19, 2021.