U.S. Chamber Letter Supporting California's AB 1662

 June 10, 2022

The Honorable Richard D. Roth

Chair

Senate Business, Professions and

Economic Development Committee

Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Chair Roth:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports AB 1662, which would require a licensing board to establish a process by which prospective applicants may request a preapplication determination as to whether their criminal history could be cause for denial of a completed application for licensure by the board.

Under existing law, boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs may require licensing for various professions and vocations. A board may deny, suspend, or revoke a license on the grounds that an applicant or licensee has been subject to formal discipline or convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which the application is made.

The Chamber believes that a job is one of the best ways for people with criminal records not to re-offend. However, occupational licensing requirements often block or burden ex-offenders as they pursue new opportunities, sometimes after having invested resources into pursuing an occupation for which they are subsequently denied a license. AB 1662 would allow an ex-offender to petition a licensing board—before investing in training—for a determination that the ex-offender will not be disqualified from gaining a license because of past offenses. Having that determination would assist ex-offenders as they work to ensure that their path ahead leads to a better life.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue.

Sincerely, 

Glenn Spencer

Senior Vice President

Employment Policy Division

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

About the authors

Glenn Spencer

Spencer oversees the Chamber’s work on immigration, retirement security, traditional labor relations, human trafficking, wage hour and worker safety issues, EEOC matters, and state labor and employment law.

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