summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. In provisions concerning applicants with criminal convictions, requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to consider various factors when considering whether a prior conviction is directly related to the ability of an applicant to safely perform the duties, functions, and responsibilities of the position (instead of whether a prior conviction will impair the ability of the applicant to engage in the practice). Sets forth provisions concerning written findings in an adverse decision, appeal rights, notice requirements, and criminal records not subject to disclosure by an applicant. Removes the requirement that a person who is licensed or registered to engage in any of the professions licensed or registered by the Department be of good moral character. Prohibits the Department from using a vague term in its consideration of a criminal record and decision regarding whether a criminal record is disqualifying for licensure, certification, or registration, including, but not limited to, "good moral character", "moral turpitude", or "character and fitness". Makes other changes. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Provides that no application shall be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Provides that when determining the qualifications for a license, the Department shall include practice that is supervised by a licensee while a person is incarcerated.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law and the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act to reform how criminal convictions are considered in professional licensing. The legislation requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to more comprehensively evaluate an applicant's criminal history by considering specific factors such as the time since conviction, number of prior convictions, nature and severity of the offense, surrounding circumstances, applicant's age at the time of conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. The bill eliminates the previous requirement that licensed professionals be of "good moral character" and prohibits the use of vague terms like "moral turpitude" in licensing decisions. It also prevents automatic application delays for incarcerated individuals and mandates that the Department provide a detailed written explanation if an application is denied due to criminal history, including the specific reasons for denial and appeal options. Additionally, the bill restricts the types of criminal records that can be considered in licensing decisions, such as excluding juvenile records, certain arrests, and older non-violent misdemeanors, with exceptions for serious violent and sexual offenses. The overall intent is to create a more nuanced, fair, and rehabilitation-focused approach to professional licensing for individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 04/11/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2347&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2347.htm |
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