Kentucky-Employment-Licensing

An executive order prohibits executive branch employers from asking about individuals’ criminal history until after an initial interview, and the standards described above guide decision-making thereafter.  The order does not apply to other public employers in the state, or to private employers.  A pardon may be useful in lifting barriers to some public employment, but gubernatorial restoration of rights is not.  Public employment and occupational licensure may not be denied based on conviction unless it “directly relates” to the position or license at issue.  There is a rebuttable presumption that Class A and B felonies and registrable offenses are directly related. Employers and licensing boards must provide applicants with written notice of the reasons for a denial and an opportunity to be heard, and in the case of licensure with an opportunity to personally appear before the board prior to the final decision.  An applicant has the right to judicial review of a denial.