LANSING, Mich (AP) — The Michigan House on Thursday unanimously approved bills designed to lift restrictions that prevent people with a criminal record from obtaining occupational licenses.
The bipartisan legislation, which was sent to the Senate for future debate, involves the consideration of an applicant’s “good moral character” during the licensing process. Boards and agencies already cannot consider an individual’s conviction, in and of itself, as proof that he or she lacks character for a license.
The measures would prohibit the consideration of a conviction unless it is a felony and regulators also determine the specific offense is grounds for a denial. The tighter requirements would not apply when licensing child care providers, lawyers, law enforcement officers and workers in nursing homes, adult foster care facilities and homes for the aged.
A bill sponsor, Republican Rep. Brandt Iden of Kalamazoo County’s Oshtemo Township, said the intent is to help people get back…
