Wolf signs bill to reform professional licensing rules
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is taking a step to relax requirements for professional licenses. He signed legislation Wednesday that prevents the state from denying a professional license to someone simply because they have a felony on their record. Under the bill, a board or commission can only reject an applicant for a criminal history that is directly related to the occupation for which they are seeking a license. Even so, boards and commissions cannot consider juvenile or expunged convictions, and they must consider the applicant’s personal rehabilitation, training and references, among other things. One million people need an occupational license from a board or commission to do their job, according to Wolf’s administration.