Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Makes changes in provisions concerning definitions; oaths, subpoenas, and penalties; applicants with criminal convictions; qualification for licensure or registration; health care worker licensure actions; automatic suspension of a health care worker's license; the publication of disciplinary actions; and records of Department actions. Amends the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. In provisions concerning required licensure, provides that an application shall not be automatically placed on hold, delayed, denied, or otherwise not processed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation because it was submitted by a person who is incarcerated. Amends the Health Care Professional Credentials Data Collection Act. In provisions concerning licensure records, provides that licensure records designated confidential and considered sealed (rather than expunged) for reporting purposes by the licensee are not reportable under the Act. Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. In provisions concerning loss and restoration of rights, provides that no application for specific licenses granted under the authority of the State shall be denied to (rather than denied by reason of) an eligible offender who has obtained a certificate of relief from disabilities, having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses (rather than or by reason of a finding of lack of "good moral character"), when the finding is solely based upon the fact that the applicant has previously been convicted of one or more criminal offenses, except for certain circumstances. Repeals provisions concerning the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's annual report to the General Assembly. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
House Floor Amendment No. 1: Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Act (rather than the Reducing Barriers to Licensure Act). In provisions amending the Unified Code of Corrections, provides that failure to obtain a certificate of relief from disabilities shall not be the sole reason for denial of specific licenses. Provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to eliminate the reporting requirements pursuant to a specific provision of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.
Senate Committee Amendment No. 1: Provides that the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Division of Real Estate of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall classify disciplinary records as confidential and shall remove final disciplinary actions from public record without application when 5 years or more have lapsed since the later of: (A) entry of a final disciplinary order against the applicant or licensee or (B) restoration of the license after the order. Provides that the Divisions shall have up to 3 years after the effective date of the Act to fully implement the process of sealing records, subject to the availability of funds for the costs of programming and personnel required for the implementation and expenditure of the Divisions' resources. Removes provisions concerning required licensure, licensure renewal, and license restoration for barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, hair braiders, and nail technologists. Makes other changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20 ILCS 2105/2105, 20 ILCS 2105/60, 225 ILCS 410/1, 410 ILCS 517/51, 730 ILCS 5/5
Engrossed: 20 ILCS 2105/2105, 20 ILCS 2105/60, 225 ILCS 410/1, 410 ILCS 517/51, 730 ILCS 5/5
Enrolled: 20 ILCS 2105/2105, 20 ILCS 2105/60, 410 ILCS 517/51, 730 ILCS 5/5, 225 ILCS 410/1