New Hampshire Senate Bill SB107

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 5/31/23
• Enrolled: 7/19/23
• Chaptered: 8/9/23
• Passed: 8/9/23

Caption

Relative to the general administration of regulatory boards and commissions.

Impact

This bill could significantly impact state laws by allowing individuals with criminal convictions greater access to professional sectors through established protocols. Boards are mandated to consider various factors, including the nature of the crime and the individual’s rehabilitation efforts, before making licensure decisions. Such changes are expected to promote inclusivity within the workforce, allowing many who have served their time to reintegrate successfully into society and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Summary

Senate Bill 107 seeks to amend how regulatory boards and commissions in New Hampshire handle occupational licensure applicants with a criminal history. The main thrust of the legislation is to ensure that individuals with prior convictions can petition boards to determine if their criminal records will disqualify them from receiving necessary licenses for their respective fields of work. This bill places a structured process to evaluate applicants based on the nature of their offense and their current rehabilitative status, a move that reflects a growing trend towards more lenient policies regarding past criminality in professional licensing.

Contention

Despite its progressive nature, SB 107 may face contention among different stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that it provides fair opportunities for individuals who have reformed, enhancing their ability to contribute to the workforce. In contrast, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of allowing individuals with certain backgrounds into positions that require high levels of trust and responsibility, highlighting public safety and the need for careful scrutiny in professional licensing. Thus, the balance between rehabilitation and public safety will be a critical area of debate as the bill moves forward.