(a)
(1) It is the policy of the State of Arkansas to encourage and contribute to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders and to assist them in the assumption of the responsibilities of citizenship.
(2) The public is best protected when offenders are given the opportunity to secure employment or to engage in a meaningful trade, occupation, or profession.
(b)
(1)
(A) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (b)(2) of this section in determining eligibility under this section, a board, commission, department, or an agency may take into consideration conviction of certain crimes that have not been annulled, expunged, or pardoned.
(B) However, such convictions shall not operate as an automatic bar to registration, certification, or licensing for any trade, profession, or occupation.
(2) The following criminal records shall not be used, distributed, or disseminated in connection with an application for a registration, license, or certificate:
(A) Records of arrest not followed by a valid felony conviction by the courts;
(B) Convictions that have been annulled or expunged or pardoned by the Governor; and
(C) Misdemeanor convictions, except misdemeanor sex offenses and misdemeanors involving violence.
(c) The board, commission, department, or agency shall state explicitly in writing the reasons for a decision that prohibits the applicant from practicing the trade, occupation, or profession if the decision is based, in whole or in part, on conviction of a felony.
(d) For the purposes of this section, completion of the following shall be deemed prima facie evidence of sufficient rehabilitation:
(1) Probation or parole supervision; and
(2) A period of five (5) years after final discharge or release from any term of imprisonment in the state penitentiary without any subsequent conviction.
(e) Any complaints concerning the violation of this section shall be adjudicated in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., for administrative and judicial review.
(f)
(1) This section shall apply to any board, commission, department, agency, or any other body that deals in licensing or regulating a profession, trade, or occupation in the State of Arkansas.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to make this section known to any board, commission, department, or agency affected by this section.
(g) This section shall not apply to teacher licensure or certification or nursing licensure and certification as governed by §§ 6-17-410 and 17-87-312 respectively.