summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amend KRS 335B.010 to define terms related to licensing and public employment qualifications; amend KRS 335B.020 to narrow the class of offenses to which the chapter applies, prohibit disqualifying individuals from pursing a professional license solely due to a finding that the applicant lacks good character, add consideration of the age of the person at the time the crime was committed, the evidence relevant to the circumstances of the crime, and evidence of rehabilitation in making licensure decisions; amend KRS 335B.030 to require that before a hiring or licensing authority denies an individual a professional license due to a prior conviction of a crime to notify the individual in writing of the specific offense that is the basis of the denial, the reasons the offense was determined to directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation and pose a reasonable threat to public safety, and that the applicant has a right to submit additional information within 30 days which the licensing authority is required to consider; require that upon a hiring or liensing authority denying an individual a profesional license due to a prior conviction of a crime to notify the individual in writing of the specific offense that is the basis of the denial and the reasons the offense was determined to directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation and pose a reasonable threat to public safety; create new sections of KRS Chapter 335B to allow a person with a prior conviction of a crime to request an initial determination regarding whether a prior conviction of crime would disqualify the individual from licensure and require that this initial determination is binding on the hiring or licensing authority; require each hiring or licensing authority to publish information on its website pertaining to applicants with a prior conviction of a crime; require each hiring or licensing authority that is authorized to consider the criminal conviction of an applicant to provide an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission; amend various sections of KRS Chapters 309, 317A, and 327 to conform; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill reforms Kentucky's laws regarding professional licensing for individuals with prior criminal convictions by establishing more nuanced and fair procedures for evaluating an applicant's criminal history. The legislation defines key terms like "conviction of a crime" and "pose a reasonable threat" and requires licensing authorities to consider multiple factors when evaluating an applicant's criminal record, including the nature of the offense, the person's age at the time of the crime, evidence of rehabilitation, and circumstances surrounding the conviction. The bill mandates that licensing authorities cannot automatically disqualify an applicant solely based on a criminal record and must provide written notification explaining any potential denial, including specific reasons and the applicant's right to submit additional information. It also creates a new process allowing individuals to request an initial determination about whether their criminal history might disqualify them from obtaining a professional license, with the determination being binding unless new information emerges. Additionally, the bill requires licensing authorities to publish information about criminal conviction considerations on their websites and submit annual reports to the Legislative Research Commission detailing license application outcomes. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to provide more opportunities for individuals with criminal records to pursue professional careers while still maintaining public safety standards.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H) (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb103.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/25RS/hb103/orig_bill.pdf |
| Local Mandate Fiscal Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/25RS/hb103/LM.pdf |
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