NC H167

Adds G.S. 93B-8.1 requiring occupational licensing boards to consider specific factors before denying licenses based on applicants' criminal history records rather than automatically denying licensure.

Boards may deny licensure only after considering: seriousness and level of the crime, date of crime, applicant's age at time of crime, circumstances surrounding the crime, connection between criminal conduct and job duties, post-conviction records (prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, employment), and any subsequent crimes.

Applies only when the law governing a particular licensing board authorizes denial based on conviction of any crime or crimes involving fraud or moral turpitude.

Permits boards to deny licensure to applicants who refuse to consent to criminal history record checks or use of fingerprints and other identifying information required by State or National Repositories of Criminal Histories.

Becomes effective upon enactment.