Ex-offenders in Pa. can be denied professional licenses because of old convictions. Bipartisan

Ex-offenders in Pa. can be denied professional licenses because of old convictions. Bipartisan lawmakers want to change that



One year after Pennsylvania passed its landmark Clean Slate Law, which shields certain criminal records from the view of employers, lawmakers hope to eliminate yet another barrier to employment for ex-offenders.

A bill introduced by state Senators and Representatives in the bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Caucus would make it easier for people with criminal records to obtain professional licenses required for such professions as barbering, cosmetology, nursing, and architecture.

The licenses are granted by 29 professional licensing boards, whose members are appointed by the governor.

Current state law allows those boards to deny an application, or revoke a license, from someone based on their criminal history. Some state occupational laws also allow the automatic denial of licenses to applicants with criminal records.

Read more: https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/ex-offenders-in-pa-can-be-denied-professional-licenses-because-of-old-convictions-bipartisan-lawmakers-want-to-change-that/