SB 2781 Summary

• Prohibits licensing authorities from disqualifying applicants solely based on prior criminal convictions unless the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation.

• Bans the use of vague licensing qualification terms including "moral turpitude," "any felony," and "good character"; requires licensing authorities to only consider specific criminal records directly related to job duties.

• Establishes a "clear and convincing" standard of proof for licensing authorities when determining whether to deny a license based on criminal history, considering nature/seriousness of crime, time elapsed, crime's relationship to job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation.

• Allows individuals with criminal records to petition licensing authorities at any time for a determination of whether they qualify for a license, with the authority having 30 days to respond and capped petition fees of $25.

• Requires licensing authorities to provide written notice of denial reasons, appeal rights, reapplication dates, and rehabilitation consideration options; places burden of proof on the licensing authority in administrative hearings or litigation.

• Prohibits licensing authorities from suspending or revoking licenses solely due to student loan defaults or work-conditional scholarship delinquencies.

• Exempts attorney bar admission and reinstatement proceedings from all requirements under this act; effective July 1, 2019.