HB2684 - Illinois New Business Owner Act

• Prohibits blanket denial of licenses by state and local agencies based solely on prior criminal convictions or lack of good moral character findings.

• Requires agencies to consider 10 specific factors when evaluating applicants with prior convictions, including time elapsed since offense, applicant's age at time of offense, rehabilitation evidence, and seriousness of the crime.

• Allows license denial only if the agency determines a direct relationship exists between the prior offense and the duties of the license sought, AND issuance would pose substantial risk to property or public safety.

• Creates a presumption of rehabilitation for applicants who hold a certificate of relief from disabilities or certificate of good conduct.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.