Bill No. 2802 amends Section 4000.1 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the denial or disqualification of professional licenses or certifications based on criminal history. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "substantially relate" and "pose a reasonable threat," clarifying the criteria under which a criminal conviction can impact an applicant's eligibility for licensure. It stipulates that a conviction can only be grounds for denial if it is directly related to the duties of the occupation and poses a reasonable threat to public safety. Additionally, the bill outlines the factors that licensing authorities must consider when making determinations, including the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits licensing authorities from denying applications based on certain criteria, such as arrests without a valid conviction, sealed or expunged convictions, and convictions older than five years, with specific exceptions for serious offenses. It mandates that authorities provide written notice to applicants regarding the basis for any denial and their right to appeal. The bill also requires state licensing authorities to publish information about their application processes and outcomes, including statistics on applications received and denied due to criminal history. Notably, the bill adds the State Board of Pharmacy 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
Floor (House): 59-4000.1
Engrossed: 59-4000.1