MN HF3655

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 364.03, subdivision 3, to establish that a certified copy of a United States Department of Defense form DD-214 showing honorable discharge or separation from the armed forces constitutes competent evidence of sufficient rehabilitation for public employment or occupational licensing purposes.

A person convicted of a crime directly related to public employment or an occupation for which they seek a license is not disqualified if they can demonstrate competent evidence of sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to perform the duties.

Licensing or hiring authorities must also consider the nature and seriousness of the crime, all circumstances including mitigating factors, the person's age at the time of the crime, time elapsed since the crime, and other evidence of rehabilitation including letters of reference.

A DD-214 showing honorable discharge ceases to qualify as competent evidence of sufficient rehabilitation if the person is subsequently convicted of a felony crime committed after the effective date of their honorable discharge or separation from military service.

The amendments are effective August 1, 2010, and apply to competent evidence of sufficient rehabilitation shown on or after that date.