California Senate Bill SB1365

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/22
• Refer: 3/9/22
• Report Pass: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/5/22
• Report Pass: 4/27/22
• Refer: 4/27/22

Caption

Licensing boards: procedures.

Impact

The implementation of SB 1365 is likely to have significant implications for state laws governing professional licensing. By requiring boards to disclose specific evaluation criteria, the bill attempts to standardize practices across the various licensing boards, potentially introducing a more uniform approach to assessing criminal histories. Furthermore, it obligates the department to create detailed procedures to authenticate applicant information and perform background checks, thus ensuring that applicants can correct any inaccuracies before facing license denials based on unintentional reporting errors.

Summary

Senate Bill 1365, introduced by Senator Jones, seeks to enhance the transparency and fairness of the licensing process for various professions governed by boards within the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The bill mandates that each board publicly post criteria used for evaluating applicants with criminal convictions on their websites. This initiative aims to inform potential applicants about their chances of obtaining licenses before they invest significant time and resources into education and training. By doing so, the bill aims to reduce uncertainty and improve access to licensing for individuals with previous criminal records, encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill relates to the delicate balance between public safety and providing opportunities for individuals with prior convictions. While supporters argue that SB 1365 promotes fairness and transparency, critics may express concerns regarding the potential risks of licensing professionals with criminal histories. Moreover, the creation of an informal appeals process that protects applicants from abrupt license denials is expected to be a source of debate, raising questions about the adequacy of safeguards in place to protect both the public and applicants.