NY A07147

Redefines "direct relationship" under Article 23-A to require a "substantial connection" between the crime committed and the duties of the license or job in question, rather than the current standard that criminal conduct must have "a direct bearing on fitness or ability" to perform job duties

Adds a new requirement that any connection between a past conviction and job duties must create an "unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public" before it can justify denying employment or licensure

Consolidates the current two-part test for denying employment or licenses to people with criminal records into a single, more restrictive standard

Strengthens anti-discrimination protections for individuals with prior criminal convictions by raising the bar employers and licensing agencies must meet to justify adverse actions

Takes effect 90 days after becoming law