The proposed bill aims to establish a Certificate of Employability for individuals with felony convictions, allowing both the Division of Correction and circuit courts to issue these certificates. The bill introduces a new subchapter in Arkansas Code Title 16, Chapter 90, detailing the criteria for issuance by the Division of Correction, which includes successful completion of educational or vocational programs while incarcerated, a clean disciplinary record prior to release, and passing a job skills assessment. The certificate will be issued upon release and remains valid unless revoked due to subsequent felony convictions. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for revocation, grievance opportunities for individuals whose certificates are revoked, and the public record status of these certificates.

Furthermore, the bill allows individuals with felony or misdemeanor convictions to petition circuit courts for a Certificate of Employability, with the court having the authority to impose conditions or restrictions. Similar to the Division of Correction, the circuit court can revoke the certificate if the individual is convicted of a felony post-issuance or if material misrepresentation is found in the petition. The bill also clarifies that the certificate can be used as evidence in negligence claims related to hiring practices, while explicitly stating that it does not exempt individuals from certain legal requirements, such as sex offender registration or licensing issues related to substance use disorders.