The bill amends the law regarding occupational and criminal background checks in Arkansas by introducing a new section that prohibits the disqualification of individuals from obtaining occupational licenses based on prior criminal convictions under certain conditions. Specifically, it states that an individual cannot be disqualified from pursuing or engaging in any licensed occupation solely due to a past conviction, unless that conviction is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the profession in question.

This legislative change aims to provide individuals with a criminal history greater opportunities for employment in licensed professions, thereby promoting rehabilitation and reducing barriers to workforce participation. The new legal language emphasizes the importance of assessing the relevance of a prior conviction to the specific job duties rather than imposing blanket disqualifications based on past offenses.