SB 517 VOTE: NO
In CommitteePublic Hearing 03/28/2023 3:00pm HR B
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/SB517
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Committees/SED/Overview
This bill prohibits a licensing board, commission, or agency from denying,
suspending, or revoking occupational or professional licenses solely for those who were convicted of serious crimes as juveniles.
This bill would place an undue burden on professional and occupational licensing boards, commissions, or agencies to do their due diligence. A crime need not relate to what is being applied for but can still reflect in character actions.
The definition of “qualifying juvenile adjudication”, includes serious crimes, such as Rape in the first degree (ORS 163.375), Sodomy in the first degree (ORS 163.405), Sexual abuse in the first degree (ORS 163.427) or even Murder in the first degree (ORS 163.107) and Murder in the second degree (ORS 163.115). These are serious crimes, and not appropriate to expand privileges while applying for an occupational or professional licenses.
The current law provides enough flexibility to licensing entities to properly vet their applicants and licensees. The Legislature established occupational licensing boards as it is in the State’s interest to carefully screen and evaluate workforce in certain sensitive fields which deserve special trust and care in order to protect the consumer or client. This bill would dilute this obligation.