Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
secretary
Labor
Agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Board
Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists
Mandate 1488

Mandate Information
Mandate Title:
Predetermination for licensing eligibility; prior convictions.
Purpose of legislation
The legislation prohibits the use of vague or arbitrary terms by a regulatory board within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation when refusing a person a license, certificate, or registration to practice, pursue, or engage in any regulated occupation or profession. The bill requires such regulatory board denying a registration, license, or certificate based on information in the applicant's criminal history record to notify the applicant in writing of (i) the specific offense or offenses that contributed to such denial; (ii) how the criminal history directly relates to the occupation for which the registration, license, or certificate applies; and (iii) how the regulatory board weighed rehabilitation factors when making its decision. The bill further allows an applicant to request a written predetermination from a regulatory board within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation concerning whether his criminal record would disqualify him from obtaining a license, certificate, registration, or other authority to engage in a particular occupation, trade, or profession in the Commonwealth.
Legislation mandating a change SB826 (2025)
VAC chapters to be amended
18 vac 145 - 20 : Professional Soil Scientists Regulations
18 vac 145 - 30 : Regulations Governing Certified Professional Wetland Delineators
18 vac 145 - 40 : Regulations for the Geology Certification Program
Associated Regulatory Actions No regulatory action has been filed.
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