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Senate committee hears overhaul to occupational-licensing rules; debate centers on public safety and re‑entry
Summary
Senator Garner’s bill would require licensing boards to list disqualifying felonies, shift the burden of proof to agencies, limit use of old convictions after five years and allow preapproval petitions; supporters say it improves re‑entry to work, while state police warn it could hinder public‑safety denials and license suspensions.
Senator Jason Garner introduced legislation that would change how Arkansas licensing boards handle applicants with criminal records, drawing extended questioning from committee members and testimony from law‑enforcement officials.
The bill requires licensing entities to adopt rules listing specific felonies that can disqualify applicants instead of using broad phrases such as “moral turpitude.” It would bar agencies from using a conviction older than five years to deny licenses except in three narrow cases, shift the burden of proof to the licensing agency to explain denials and lower the…
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