Being a security guard in the state of Michigan is one of many jobs that requires a professional license. | stock photo
Being a security guard in the state of Michigan is one of many jobs that requires a professional license. | stock photo
House Bills 4488-4492 were passed by the Michigan Legislature to redefine "good moral character" as it relates to 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 Michigan residents from obtaining a professional license, 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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