Requires certain standards for professional and occupational boards considering applicants with criminal history records.

This bill changes how New Jersey professional and occupational boards (like those for nurses, lawyers, or contractors) evaluate applicants with criminal records. It requires boards to disqualify applicants only if a crime *directly relates* to their profession - not just if it "adversely affects" it - considering factors like the crime's nature, time passed, rehabilitation evidence, and job relevance. Boards must now provide written notice, explain the connection to the profession, and allow applicants a hearing before denying a license. Additionally, applicants denied a license must receive written reasons, reapplication dates, and information on how rehabilitation evidence may be considered in future applications. The bill also mandates annual reporting on disqualification data by the Division of Consumer Affairs.