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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Michigan Legislature redefines 'good moral character' to help ex-cons get professional licenses

Smallbiz

Hairstylists and barbers are among the jobs that require a license in the state of Michigan. | Unsplash

Hairstylists and barbers are among the jobs that require a license in the state of Michigan. | Unsplash

House Bills 4488-4492 were passed by the Michigan Legislature to redefine "good moral character" as it relates those who have a criminal record.

The passage of these bills will ensure that only severe crimes that are directly related to an occupation can prevent residents from obtaining a professional license in the state, according to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

"Nearly 1 million jobs in Michigan require a state license, which mandates fees, classroom time, training hours, exams and more. The vast majority of these licenses restrict people with any type of criminal record from getting a license, including roofers, cosmetologists, barbers, nurses, security guards and many other jobs in high-demand fields. A past mistake should not automatically prevent people from honest work in an occupation of their choice. This is a great move by Michigan lawmakers, which will help ex-offenders, job creators and the public," Jarrett Skorup, director of marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center, said on its website.

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