Occupational Licensing and Certification - Criminal History - Predetermination Review Process

HB 482 establishes a formal review process for occupational license applicants in Maryland with nonviolent criminal histories. It prevents state departments (like Health, Labor, or Agriculture) from automatically denying licenses based solely on past convictions, requiring them to assess if the crime directly relates to the job or poses an unreasonable safety risk. Applicants can request a binding "predetermination" review, which departments must base on factors like time since conviction, offense severity, and rehabilitation efforts. If denied, applicants may submit revised requests after completing recommended remedial actions, with a $100 fee (waivable for low-income applicants). The law directly affects individuals seeking state-licensed jobs (e.g., nursing, cosmetology) who have nonviolent criminal records but face licensing barriers.