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WV HB4819
Bill
Status
Enrolled
3/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Kathie Crouse
Click for details
AI Summary
- Strengthens protections for individuals with criminal records seeking professional licenses in plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, fire protection, and polygraph examination fields
- Changes the disqualification standard from crimes that "bear a rational nexus" to crimes that "directly and specifically relate" to the licensed profession's duties and responsibilities, and only when granting licensure would pose a "direct and substantial risk to the public"
- Prohibits disqualification based on prior convictions if 5 years have elapsed since conviction or release from incarceration, the individual has no subsequent convictions, and the offense was not violent or sexual in nature
- Expands rehabilitation factors that licensing authorities must consider, including age at offense, sentence completion, treatment participation, employment history, bonding status, and testimonials from probation/parole officers
- Prohibits requiring applicants to disclose arrests not followed by conviction and requires licensing agencies to update forms and websites to explain these protections and the pre-application determination process
Legislative Description
Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession
Professions and Occupations
Last Action
House received Senate message
3/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Government Organization2/21/2026
Government Organization1/26/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available