Bill No. 2735 amends Section 4000.1 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the denial of licensure and certification based on criminal history. The bill introduces an exception that specifies that a licensing or certification authority cannot deny a state license or certification solely based on an arrest that did not lead to a valid guilty plea, a sealed or expunged conviction, or a conviction older than five years, provided the individual has no new crimes. However, this does not apply to certain serious offenses, including domestic violence and sex offenses. The bill also mandates that authorities provide written notice to applicants regarding the basis for any denial and allows them to submit additional evidence for consideration.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for individuals with criminal histories to request a determination of their eligibility for licensure before completing required education or training. It requires licensing authorities to evaluate these requests and issue a determination within a specified timeframe. The bill also mandates that each licensing authority publish information about how criminal history may affect licensure decisions and report annually to the Legislature on application statistics. Notably, the bill adds the Oklahoma Accountancy Board to the list of authorities exempt from these provisions. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-4000.1
House Committee Substitute: 59-4000.1
Floor (House): 59-4000.1
Floor (Senate): 59-4000.1
Engrossed: 59-4000.1