HB3142 - Criminal History in College Applications Act

• Public colleges are prohibited from inquiring about or considering an applicant's criminal history during the admission decision-making process, with limited exceptions for inquiries required by federal law or specific state laws.

• Public colleges may use third-party multi-institution applications that ask about criminal history, but must not consider any criminal history information provided and must prominently display a statement informing applicants they will not be penalized for not answering criminal history questions.

• After admission, public colleges may optionally inquire about and consider an admitted student's criminal history for purposes of offering counseling, services, housing decisions, or campus activities, but cannot inquire about sealed, expunged, or non-conviction records.

• Public colleges cannot use criminal history information gathered after admission to rescind an offer of admission.

• Public colleges may include information on admissions materials and websites about how criminal records may affect eligibility for professional licenses, employment, or clinical educational requirements, and may provide a contact for applicants to seek advice about potential restrictions.