Bill > A00875

This bill, known as the Preliminary License Application Navigation (PLAN) Act, requires public agencies to establish a transparent and structured process for individuals with criminal histories to determine their potential eligibility for professional licenses before completing full application requirements. The bill mandates that public agencies create a preliminary license application procedure where applicants can submit their criminal history details and receive an initial determination of licensure eligibility. Agencies must clearly post their criminal history consideration process on their websites, including lists of disqualifying and potentially disqualifying offenses, and provide a detailed review process. Applicants can submit a preliminary application at any time, potentially before investing in education or paying fees, and agencies must respond within ten business days, providing a written determination that includes findings of fact, potential remediation steps, and copies of reviewed criminal history records. The bill also requires agencies to charge no more than $25 for the preliminary application and allow fee waivers for financial hardship. Additionally, agencies must compile and publish annual reports detailing preliminary application statistics, including the number of applications, determinations, hearings, and anonymized descriptions of criminal histories that resulted in license denials, all aimed at increasing transparency and providing clearer pathways for individuals with criminal records to pursue professional licensing.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A875