Bill > HB185

This bill aims to reduce barriers to employment and occupational licenses for individuals with criminal convictions by requiring hiring and licensing authorities to establish a process where such individuals can get a pre-determination on whether their past crime will disqualify them from a specific public employment position or licensed occupation. These authorities must develop and implement policies and procedures for this process through regulations by January 1, 2027, and submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission by November 1, 2027, though certain entities like cities, counties, and the Department of Financial Institutions are exempt. The bill also expands the criteria authorities must consider when determining if a conviction directly relates to the job or license sought, including the nature and seriousness of the crime, the individual's age at the time of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation, and requires authorities to provide written findings of fact to applicants when a denial is based on a conviction.

Labor and Employment

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb185.html