General Statutes Commission Moral Turpitude/Occupational Licensure.

This bill updates North Carolina's occupational licensing laws to prevent automatic denial of licenses based solely on a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude. Instead of a blanket ban, licensing boards must now evaluate each criminal history case individually by considering factors such as the crime's seriousness, the applicant's age at the time, rehabilitation efforts, and how the offense relates to the specific job duties. The legislation also requires boards to provide written explanations for any denials, offer applicants a chance to respond to concerns within 30 days, and allow individuals to request a preliminary assessment of how their record might affect licensure before applying. Additionally, the law mandates that boards clearly publish their criminal background check policies and appeal processes on their websites to ensure transparency.