A. All state entities that are charged with oversight of occupational licenses shall establish procedures by which individuals who are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor where substance abuse or mental illness is the underlying cause of the crime, or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or misdemeanor where substance abuse or mental illness is the underlying cause of the crime, may appeal to have an occupational license reinstated.
B. All state entities described in this section may consider the length of time since the plea or conviction. Other items that may be considered are education since the plea or conviction, recovery status since the plea or conviction if the underlying crime was alcohol- or drug-related, and the public safety of allowing an individual to return to the specific occupation.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to professional licensure boards that currently recognize and comply with the spirit and intent of this act.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 196, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.