Bill > H4602

This bill aims to increase professional licensure opportunities by amending the existing law. The key provisions are: 1. It requires licensing authorities to provide individualized consideration of an applicant's circumstances before denying, diminishing, suspending, revoking, withholding, or otherwise limiting a professional or occupational license. It also outlines specific criminal records that cannot be considered by the licensing authorities. 2. It establishes a process for licensing authorities to evaluate whether an applicant's criminal record is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the profession and whether the public interest outweighs the applicant's right to hold the license. It also provides factors for the authorities to consider in determining if the applicant has been rehabilitated. 3. It requires licensing authorities to review their license application processes every three years to ensure they promote economic opportunities while fostering public safety, and to report on their actions related to denying, diminishing, or limiting licenses due to criminal records. 4. It creates a special commission to advise the Division of Occupational Licensure and licensing authorities on background record requirements for each professional and occupational license, as well as to report on the use and necessity of vague terms like "good moral character" and "moral turpitude" in licensing or employment decision-making.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4602