Starting January 1, 2018, ex-offenders applying for a professional or occupational license will experience fewer licensing barriers due to their criminal history background, thanks to Public Act 100-0286 (SB 1688). The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will be guided by agency-wide rules specifying what criminal record information can be used to determine if someone should receive a professional or occupational license. Currently, these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Read MoreApplying for a professional or occupational license in Illinois if you have a criminal background can be a difficult process. This is especially true when you do not consult an attorney who can help you navigate around the potential minefields. This past legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1688 (SB 1688) to help reduce licensing barriers ex-offenders face.
Read MoreDuring the most recent legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly considered several bills that would improve employment and licensing opportunities for people who have a criminal record or, in one case, keep someone from getting a criminal record.
Read MoreIn May, I highlighted several bills the Illinois General Assembly was considering to reduce employment and licensing barriers for ex-offenders. Since then two bills have been sent to Governor Rauner. If he signs them, they will go into effect in January 2016.
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