House Bill 1373, also known as the Fresh Start Act, is part criminal justice reform, part occupational license reform. Governor Kevin Stitt signed the measure into law this week. It allows for workers with felonies to apply for certain occupational licenses as long as their crime did not substantially relate to the occupation.
Rep. Zack Taylor is the House author.
“Our laws should encourage those non-violent offenders who have paid their debt to find work so they can be productive, provide for their families and reduce the likelihood of recidivism,” said Taylor. “This bill gives those non-violent offenders hope that if they meet the qualifications for an occupational license they will have the opportunity to make a good wage and improve their lives and not be disqualified because of arbitrary language in the law.”
State entities which issue and oversee occupational licenses must list the specific criminal records that disqualify a candidate with a felony.
HB 1373 takes effect on November 1, 2019.
