AR HB1796

Amends Arkansas Code § 17-3-102 to allow licensing entities to waive disqualification or revocation of occupational licenses based on certain criminal convictions if requested by the applicant or current license holder.

Expands the waiver provision to include both crimes listed in subsection (a) and crimes listed in subsection (e) of the statute, including capital murder, first and second degree murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual assault, and arson.

Specifies that permanent disqualifications for serious offenses can be waived under subsection (b), providing a process for individuals convicted of these crimes to petition for license eligibility.

Exempts individuals who held valid licenses on July 24, 2019 from permanent disqualification rules, grandfathering in existing license holders.

Act was approved on April 19, 2021.