STATEMENT TO

[Second Reprint]

SENATE, No. 685

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Senator SINGER)

ADOPTED: JUNE 5, 1997

      This amendment requires that, before the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Counselors can refuse to admit an applicant for licensure or certification as an alcohol and drug counselor to an examination, or refuse to issue or renew a license or certificate to a holder thereof due to a criminal conviction, it must also find that the applicant or holder is unfit to engage in the practice of alcohol and drug counseling. The amendment also permits an applicant or holder of a license or certificate to demonstrate affirmatively, by clear and convincing evidence, rehabilitation after conviction for a crime that would otherwise disqualify him. If the board determines that the individual is rehabilitated, it must admit the applicant to examination or issue or renew the license or certification.