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WV SB510
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/20/2026
Primary Sponsor
Laura Wakim Chapman
Click for details
AI Summary
- Prohibits licensing authorities from disqualifying applicants for initial licensure based on prior criminal convictions unless the conviction directly and specifically relates to the profession's duties and poses a substantial public risk due to lack of rehabilitation
- Requires licensing authorities to consider factors including the nature and seriousness of the crime, time elapsed since conviction, relationship to job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation such as treatment completion, education, employment history, and testimonials
- Bars consideration of "moral turpitude" or "good moral character" as bases for denying licensure, and prohibits requiring disclosure of arrests not followed by conviction
- Establishes that applicants cannot be disqualified if five years have passed since conviction or release from incarceration, they have no subsequent convictions, and the offense was not violent or sexual in nature
- Allows individuals with criminal records to petition licensing authorities for a pre-application determination of whether their record will disqualify them, with a response required within 60 days
Legislative Description
Using criminal records as disqualification from practicing particular professions
Professions and Occupations
Last Action
To Workforce
1/20/2026
Committee Referrals
Workforce1/20/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available