Pennsylvania and Colorado among changes to criminal record restrictions
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs released final regulations to put in place Act 53, Occupational Licensing Reform Act. The new regulations limit the list of criminal offenses for which a license application can be denied, limiting to convictions that are directed related to the practice of the profession. Even then, convictions can only be a considering factor for license applications for a period of five years after conviction.
A similar bill in Colorado would allow regulators to consider an applicant's criminal record only if there's a "direct connection to potential performance in the profession." Applicants would also be able to get an evaluation of their criminal record and its potential impact before they begin the license application process. The bill would also put a limit that nonviolent criminal convictions could only be considered if they occurred within the last three years.