HB2378 Summary

• Modifies criminal conviction standards for professional licensing across multiple occupations by replacing blanket felony prohibitions with "substantially relates" and "poses a reasonable threat to public safety" standards that require individualized Board review

• Applies new conviction evaluation criteria to architects, landscape architects, interior designers, podiatrists, cosmetologists, funeral directors, engineers, land surveyors, athletic trainers, real estate appraisers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, pawnbrokers, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and behavioral health practitioners

• Requires applicant appeals process for license denials and provides that real estate appraisers can appeal Board decisions to district court within 30 days of final Board decision

• Establishes definitions: "substantially relates" means criminal conduct has direct bearing on fitness to perform occupation duties; "poses reasonable threat" means conduct involved harm to another with bearing on fitness to serve public

• Effective July 1, 2012, with emergency clause for immediate enforcement