HB 2168 Summary

• Amends licensing standards across 13 Oklahoma professional occupations including architects, cosmetologists, engineers, physical therapists, psychologists, and behavioral health practitioners

• Establishes uniform definitions of "substantially relates" (criminal conduct with direct bearing on job fitness) and "poses a reasonable threat" (criminal conduct involving harm to others) for felony conviction considerations in license denial or revocation

• Modifies criminal conviction language from absolute bars to discretionary standards, requiring boards to evaluate whether convictions substantially relate to specific occupations or pose public safety threats

• Applies to: State Architectural and Registered Interior Designers Act, Oklahoma Cosmetology and Barbering Act, engineering and land surveying, athletic trainers, real estate appraisers, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, pawnshop operators, speech-language pathology/audiology, counselors, marital and family therapists, and behavioral practitioners

• Effective date: November 1, 2015