OKLAHOMA CITY – A new bipartisan law creates employment opportunities for Oklahomans recently released from state custody. House Bill 3002, by state Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, and state Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, was signed into law Wednesday.
The new law amends the requirements and qualifications for five occupational licenses that involve Oklahoma scrap metal dealers, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, motor vehicle dealers, used motor vehicle dealers, and the Oklahoma Micropigmentation Regulation Act.
“Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is low, which is great. However, the pandemic decimated our workforce,” Munson said. “Removing unnecessary barriers to employment, especially those in high demand, can help our economy. This new law is a step in that direction.”
The law maintains each licensing entity’s ability to consider criminal history. However, the entity must identify if the crime relates to the occupation and is a threat to public safety.
“It’s important that we streamline our occupational licensing requirements and allow all Oklahomans opportunities to succeed,” Taylor said. “This measure will allow Oklahomans that have felonies on their records to have more employment opportunities but not at the risk of public safety.”
Oklahoma benefits from a low recidivism rate compared to other states. However, the state’s high incarceration rate means the number of people who return to prison in Oklahoma is still a large population.
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