SB 177 Summary

• Amends 56 O.S. Section 1025.2 to allow waivers for community services providers to employ workers with certain criminal convictions or guilty pleas.

• Permits the Director of the Department of Human Services to grant waivers for drug or alcohol-related offenses that occurred less than 5 years prior if the person completed a certified drug or alcohol treatment program.

• Maintains strict prohibitions on employment waivers for serious violent crimes including aggravated assault and battery, homicide, murder, rape, incest, sodomy, and abuse or exploitation offenses.

• Requires criminal history record searches and registry reviews for community services worker applicants before permanent employment, with temporary employment allowed pending results (maximum 30 days).

• Takes effect November 1, 2011.