Bill > SB15

This bill modifies Kansas liquor licensing laws to allow individuals with felony convictions to potentially obtain alcoholic beverage licenses under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill permits the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue a license to a person with a felony conviction if two key requirements are met: first, the felony conviction must have occurred more than 10 years prior to the license application, and second, the director determines that the applicant has been sufficiently rehabilitated to merit public trust. Previously, a felony conviction automatically disqualified an individual from obtaining a liquor license, regardless of how much time had passed or their subsequent rehabilitation. The bill aims to provide a pathway for individuals with past criminal records to re-enter the alcoholic beverage industry by giving the licensing director discretion to evaluate each applicant's specific circumstances. This change could help reduce barriers to employment and business ownership for people with prior felony convictions who have demonstrated personal growth and rehabilitation over time.

Government Affairs

Federal and State Affairs (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb15/