State Regulator reduces barriers
for applicants with criminal convictions
Implements suggestions made by Governor.
Rauner and the Illinois Criminal Justice Reform Commission
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[November 22, 2016]
The
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (“IDFPR”)
is announcing that it has simplified forms for applicants with
criminal convictions to encourage participation in the applicant
review process and dispel assumptions that most individuals with a
criminal conviction are automatically denied licensure.
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While less than 1% of applicants with a conviction are
denied licensure, many do not complete the requisite review process
because it is believed to be overly complex, burdensome and
intimidating. IDFPR’s initiative is part of ongoing efforts by
Governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Criminal Justice Reform
Commission to remove unnecessary barriers to those convicted of
crimes from obtaining professional licenses.
“By aiding the pathway to licensure for individuals who might have
otherwise given up hope on their chosen career, we not only open the
door to employment, we provide real change,” said Governor Rauner.
“I applaud IDFPR for their continued regulatory revision efforts and
for their commitment to facilitating licensure opportunities for
those who may have a blemish on their record.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/22/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png) To address the issue and encourage applicants’ participation, IDFPR
has made the following changes: use of less formal “legalese” in
cover letters; inform applicants that their application has been
referred to prosecutions for review with prosecutions’ contact
information; and updated correspondence to point out that the
conviction does not usually result in denial of licensure.
“As the state’s regulator, it is our job to facilitate options to
licensure, not impede ones practice,” said Bryan A. Schneider, IDFPR
Secretary. “While individuals with a criminal conviction in their
past will require a more extensive review by the Department, it does
not mean they cannot obtain a license. By effectively communicating
this through our application process, we hope to not only increase
the number of licensed professionals, but create a regulatory
environment conducive to strong economic growth and opportunity.”
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This past April, IDFPR joined forces with the Illinois Department of Corrections
to announce a new initiative that streamlined the professional licensing process
for men and women being released from prison. Offenders who’ve completed the
required coursework for Barbering and Cosmetology may now apply for their
professional license and meet with the licensing board via video conference up
to six months before their release or parole date. This common sense policy
change reversed the previous approach, which prohibited offenders from starting
the application process until they were already released from the institution,
resulting in delays of several months before receiving their license. The first
ex-offender to receive his Cosmetology license under the streamlined inmate
licensure program occurred on October 4, 2016.
For more information on IDFPR, please visit their website at: www.idfpr.com.
[Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation]
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