NJ A2225

Professional and occupational boards cannot disqualify applicants solely for prior criminal convictions unless the crime directly relates to the regulated profession, replacing the previous "moral turpitude" standard

Boards must consider four factors when evaluating criminal history: the nature and seriousness of the crime plus time elapsed, relationship to the profession's regulatory purpose, evidence of rehabilitation, and relationship to job duties and responsibilities

Applicants facing potential disqualification must receive written notice explaining the connection between their conviction and the profession, and must be given an opportunity to be heard before the board makes a final decision

Prior convictions for sex offenses requiring Megan's Law registration create a rebuttable presumption of direct relationship to the regulated profession

The Director of Consumer Affairs must annually report to the Legislature on the number of disqualifications and reasons for each board, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment