Bill Eases Restrictions On Professional Licenses

State rules that prevent people with criminal records from seeking professional licenses would be eased under legislation that passed the Michigan House this week. State Representative Brandt Iden tells WSJM News “good moral character” regulations often disqualify someone who has already paid their debt to society from getting back on their feet.

“The issue has always been if you have past criminal history on your record, you are unable to apply for certain licenses in the state of Michigan,” Iden said. “What that does is it prevents people from entering the workforce.”

Iden tells us the rules can go as far as stopping someone from becoming a barber. Under revised rules approved in the House this week, there will still be disqualifying offenses for some licenses, but they will have to be related to the field in which an applicant is seeking that license. For example, Iden tells us someone with an embezzlement offense would still be blocked from becoming an accountant. He says governor Rick Snyder called for the reform last month.