Fresh Start Act Heard in Senate Committee

The Senate Government Reform Committee heard HB 564, sponsored by Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield), this week. Known as the Fresh Start Act, this bill requires each state licensing authority to revise its licensing requirements to explicitly list the categories of criminal convictions that would disqualify a person from getting a license. A person could be disqualified if the criminal conviction directly relates to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation. Furthermore, a person with a conviction can petition the licensing authority before he or she applies to see if the conviction would disqualify him or her from receiving a certain license. If passed, this bill would allow more ex-offenders to get a professional license and obtain a job.