This Q&A answers questions about "Fair Chance Licensing" laws.

In 2020, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed legislation, codified at Rhode Island General Laws §28-5.1-14, ensuring that justice- involved and formerly incarcerated individuals are not inappropriately prevented from obtaining state occupational licenses, based solely or in part on a criminal record, for professions that they are otherwise qualified for.

A printable PDF with the information on "Fair Chance Licensing" and "Ban the Box" is available at the bottom of the page.

Last Updated: September 2023

The information below should not be taken as legal advice. If you have additional questions, or if you feel your rights have been violated, please contact the ACLU of RI.

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Fair Chance Licensing (H 5863, S 610)

This legislation would have ensured that an individual’s prior criminal record is not the sole measure by which an applicant is disqualified for a license, and would have created a comprehensive process for determining the relevancy of a conviction to the license being sought.