The proposed bill HB238 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to improve employment opportunities for individuals with criminal convictions. It establishes a presumption of fitness for occupational licensure for those who have received an order of limited relief and provides immunity for employers who hire these individuals. The Board of Pardons and Paroles is mandated to issue certificates of employability to eligible individuals upon their release from parole, facilitating their reintegration into the workforce. However, individuals required to register as sex offenders or those convicted of violent offenses are excluded from receiving such certificates. The bill also outlines the petition process for obtaining an order of limited relief, requiring courts to rule within 90 days based on public safety considerations.

Additionally, the bill prohibits occupational licensing boards from denying licenses based on certain criteria, including non-related convictions and pardoned or expunged offenses. It requires boards to evaluate applications on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature of the crime and evidence of rehabilitation. The bill introduces a new section allowing individuals to seek determinations from licensing boards regarding disqualifications due to criminal convictions, with a response required within 30 days. It also deletes previous provisions that allowed automatic denials based on criminal history when a valid order of limited relief was present, thereby enhancing access to professional licenses for individuals with criminal backgrounds. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-26-7, 12-26-9, 41-9A-1, 41-9A-2
Engrossed: 12-26-7, 12-26-9, 41-9A-1, 41-9A-2