HB 6280 Summary

• Defines "good moral character" as the propensity of an individual to serve the public in the licensed area in a fair, honest, and open manner when used as a licensing requirement.

• Prohibits licensing boards from considering civil judgments or using criminal convictions alone as conclusive proof of lack of good moral character; convictions may only be considered if the felony is codified as disqualifying, has direct negative effect on ability to perform licensed duties, and public safety interest outweighs individual's right to pursue the occupation.

• Forbids licensing boards from using arrest records not resulting in conviction, reversed/vacated convictions, or unrelated misdemeanors and felonies when determining good moral character.

• Requires licensing boards to consider an individual's certificate of employability, time since offense, rehabilitation evidence, testimonials, employment history, and other mitigating circumstances when evaluating criminal convictions.

• Mandates that individuals denied licenses receive written statements with complete evidence and specific descriptions of how evidence supports the determination, plus opportunity for rehearing with new relevant evidence; allows circuit court review if administrative remedies are unsatisfactory.