What's happening
This bill removes protections preventing automatic disqualification from barbering licenses based on criminal convictions.
Why it matters
People with criminal convictions could now be automatically disqualified from obtaining a barbering license. , potentially closing off a career path that was previously more accessible to those with criminal records.
Removes mandated fair consideration of applicants with past convictions. , meaning the Secretary of State is no longer required to review criminal history in line with Article 23-A, which was designed to prevent unfair discrimination in licensing.
Could disproportionately impact individuals seeking re-entry into the workforce after incarceration. , as barbering is a common trade for those rebuilding their lives post-release, possibly increasing barriers to employment and reintegration.
Signals a shift in state policy away from criminal justice reform principles. embedded in licensing, which may affect debates and future legislation around occupational licensing and second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Change Barber License Rules
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to economic development
- Referred to economic development
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
651
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. BRONSON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to the eligibility requirements for a license in the practice of barbering
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph (b) of subdivision 1 of section 434 of the general business law, as amended by chapter 469 of the laws of 2008, is amended to read as follows:
(b) Satisfactory evidence of good moral character[, except that in determining an applicant's good moral character, the secretary of state shall not automatically disqualify an applicant on the basis of a criminal conviction. The secretary shall review such criminal history information in accordance with article twenty-three-A of the correction law];
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04730-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.