KRS § 335B.020 Disqualification from public employment or occupational license because of prior criminal conviction prohibited -- Items submitted by applicant. (Effective until July 15, 2026)
AI-assisted research summary: A prior conviction alone cannot be used to bar someone from public employment or a licensed occupation unless it directly relates to the job or occupation.
335B.020 Disqualification from public employment or occupational license because of prior criminal conviction prohibited -- Items submitted by applicant. (Effective until July 15, 2026) (1) No person shall be disqualified from public employment, nor shall a person be disqualified from pursuing, practicing, or engaging in any occupation for which a license is required solely because of a prior conviction of a crime, unless the crime for which convicted directly relates to the position of employment sought or the occupation for which the license is sought. (2) In determining if a conviction directly relates to the position of public employment sought or the occupation for which the license is sought, the hiring or licensing authority shall consider items submitted by the applicant, which may include: (a) The individual's criminal history, including but not limited to: 1. The nature and seriousness of the crime; 2. The individual's age when the offense was committed; 3. The length of time since the offense was committed; 4. The relationship of the crime to the public employment position sought or the occupation for which the license is sought; and 5. The relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, and fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the public employment position or licensed occupation; (b) Any bonding requirements for the occupation for which the license is sought; and (c) Any evidence of rehabilitation submitted by the applicant, including but not limited to evidence related to the person's compliance with any conditions of community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, the conduct and work activity of the person, treatment undertaken by the person, and testimonials or personal reference statements. Effective: April 10, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 3, effective April 10, 2026. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 30, effective June 29, 2017. -- Created 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 210, sec. 2, effective June 17, 1978.