B.Dilworth_January 30, 2020 – Fresh Start Act of 2019

[LOGO] Lynn Fitch ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS DIVISION January 30, 2020 Billy Dilworth Executive Director Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists Post Office Box 4508 Jackson, Mississippi 39296-4508 Re: Fresh Start Act of 2019 Dear Mr. Dilworth: Attorney General Lynn Fitch has received your opinion request on behalf of the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists ("the Board") and has assigned it to me for research and reply. ### Questions Presented Due to the length of your request and the number of questions presented, a copy of the same is attached hereto. ### Response Your request seeks an interpretation of the Fresh Start Act of 2019, Miss. Code Ann. Sections 73-77-1, et seq. ("the Act"), primarily by reference to hypothetical scenarios. This office cannot issue an opinion with regard to those scenarios which are not specifically addressed by the Act. However, to the extent an opinion may be provided, we offer the following guidance. Question: Is Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-77-5 applicable where a Board's enabling statute allows for denial of licensure or the imposition of discipline based on the conviction of any crime or felony? 550 HIGH STREET • SUITE 1200 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 POST OFFICE BOX 220 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39205-0220 TELEPHONE (601) 359-3680 Billy Dilworth January 30, 2020 Page 2 Response: Section 73-77-5 of the Act provides as follows: Absent applicable state law, no person shall be disqualified from pursuing, practicing, or engaging in any occupation for which a license is required solely or in part because of a prior conviction of a crime, unless the crime for which an applicant was convicted directly relates to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation. (Emphasis added). If the Board's enabling statute prohibits the issuance of an appropriate license based upon a prior criminal conviction, then "applicable state law" would exempt the Board from the requirements of the above-cited section. However, if no such "applicable state law" exists, then the Board must comply with Section 73-77-5. Section 73-53-13(d)(iv), Miss. Code Ann., requires an applicant seeking licensure to prove to the board's satisfaction, the "[a]bsence of conviction of a felony related to the practice of social work for the last ten (10) years." Based upon the Board's enabling statute, it is this office's opinion that "applicable state law" exists which exempts the Board from Section 73-77-5 of the Act. A determination of whether an applicant has met the requirements set forth by the enabling statute is a factual determination to be made by the Board. Question: Are licensing boards to interpret Section 73-77-1(1) as "not applicable" or "controlling" when a Board's enabling statute authorizes boards to deny licensure based upon a determination of good moral character or upon a conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude? Response: Section 73-77-7(1) of the Act states: (1) Absent applicable state law, licensing authorities shall not have in any rulemaking for their qualifications for licensure vague or generic terms including, but not limited to, "moral turpitude," "any felony," and "good character." Absent applicable state law, licensing authorities may only consider criminal records that are specific and directly related to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation when evaluating applicants. (Emphasis added). Section 73-53-13(d)(ii), Miss. Code Ann., requires an applicant seeking licensure to prove to the board's satisfaction, "[g]ood moral character." Based upon the Board's enabling statute, it is this office's opinion that "applicable state law" exists which 550 HIGH STREET • SUITE 1200 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 POST OFFICE BOX 220 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39205-0220 TELEPHONE (601) 359-3680 Billy Dilworth January 30, 2020 Page 3 exempts the Board from Section 73-77-7(1) of the Act. A determination of whether an applicant has met the qualifications as set forth by the enabling statute is a factual determination to be made by the Board. Question: Is Section 73-77-9 applicable only when an individual has filed an application for license or may an individual who has not filed an application for license, petition at any time for a determination of criminal record disqualification? Response: Section 73-77-9(1) of the Act provides as follows: Absent applicable state law, an individual with a criminal record may petition a licensing authority at any time for a determination of whether the individual's criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a license. This petition shall include details on the individual's criminal records. The licensing authority shall inform the individual of his standing within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition from the applicant. The licensing authority may charge a fee to recoup its costs not to exceed Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) for each petition. (Emphasis added). Section 73-77-9(1), Miss. Code Ann., does not differentiate between applicants and non-applicants, but refers only to "an individual." Thus, the above-cited section applies to both applicants and non-applicants alike. Question: What type of response is required of the licensing Board within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition regarding the criminal record disqualification? Response: Section 73-77-9(1) of the Act provides, in part, as follows: The licensing authority shall inform the individual of his standing within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition from the applicant. The Act is not specific as to the "type" of required response, requiring only that the individual be informed of his or her "standing" within thirty (30) days. Question: If Section 73-77-9 is applicable to non-licensure applicants, does subsection 2 require a hearing for the non-licensing applicants? Response: As stated above, Section 73-77-9(1) of the Act is applicable to both applicants and non-applicants alike. Thus, the remaining provisions of this section would likewise apply to both applicants and non-applicants. 550 HIGH STREET • SUITE 1200 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 POST OFFICE BOX 220 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39205-0220 TELEPHONE (601) 359-3680 Billy Dilworth January 30, 2020 Page 4 If we may be of further service, please let us know. Very truly yours, LYNN FITCH, ATTORNEY GENERAL By: Tommy D. Goodwin Tommy D. Goodwin Special Assistant Attorney General Attachment # OFFICIAL OPINION 550 HIGH STREET • SUITE 1200 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39201 POST OFFICE BOX 220 • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39205-0220 TELEPHONE (601) 359-3680 BOARD MEMBERS: Jennifer Fulcher, LSW Board Chair Term expires: 6/30/2022 Candace Riddley, LCSW Chair for Social Work Term expires: 6/30/2022 Jamie L. Osby-Williams, LMFT Chair for MFT Term expires: 6/30/2019 Gerrard Tarrant, LMFT Term expires: 6/30/2022 Brenda Viverette, LSW Term expires: 6/30/2020 Beth McNamee, LCSW Term expires: 6/30/2023 Victoria Murdy, LCSW, Term expires: 6/30/2020 Pam Rollins, LMFT Term expires: 6/30/2020 Beth Little, LCSW Term expires: 6/30/2020 Sharon Adams, LMFT, Term expires: 6/30/2022 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Billy Dilworth STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PHIL BRYANT, Governor TATE REEVES, Lt. Governor # MISSISSIPPI # STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS December 20, 2019 Honorable Attorney General Jim Hood MS Attorney General's Office Walter Sillers Building 550 High Street, Suite 1200 Jackson, MS 39201 ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE OPINIONS DIVISION RE: Request for Attorney General Opinion of Clarification, Interpretation and Compliance of The Fresh Start Act of 2019 (SB 2781) Dear Honorable Attorney General Hood: The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists ("Board") respectfully requests an Attorney General's Opinion regarding The Fresh Start Act of 2019 ("Act") which became effective July 1, 2019. The Board seeks clarification as to the interpretation of specific terminology utilized in the Act and the impact, if any, upon the Board as to its compliance and enforcement of the Act. Miss. Code Ann Section 73-77-5 of the Act provides as follows: Absent applicable state law, no person shall be disqualified from pursuing, practicing, or engaging in any occupation for which a license is required solely or in part because of a prior conviction of a crime, unless the crime for which an applicant was convicted directly relates to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation. Q: Is Miss. Code Ann Section 73-77-5 applicable where a Board's enabling statute allows for denial of licensure or the imposition of discipline based on the conviction of any crime or felony? Miss. Code Ann Section 73-77-7 (1) of the Act provides as follows: Absent applicable state law, licensing authorities shall not have in any rulemaking for their qualifications for licensure POST OFFICE BOX 4508, JACKSON, MS 39296-4508 • PHONE: 601-987-6806 • FAX: 601-987-6808 WWW.SWMFT.MS.GOV # STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PHIL BRYANT, Governor TATE REEVES, Lt. Governor # MISSISSIPPI # STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS # FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS Page 2- Request for Attorney General Opinion vague or generic terms including, but not limited to “moral turpitude,” “any felony,” and “good character.” Absent applicable state law, licensing authorities may only consider criminal records that are specific and directly related to the duties and responsibilities for the licensed occupation when evaluating applicants. Q: Are licensing boards to interpret Section 73-77-7 (1) as “not applicable” or “controlling” when a Board’s enabling statute authorizes boards to deny licensure based upon a determination of good moral character or upon a conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude? Q: The Act requires implementation of Section 73-77-7(2) within 120 days after its enactment. Does implementation require rule making? Or, will Board action be sufficient (i.e. where the Board’s administrative order covers the factors listed in the Section 73-77-7(2)? For instance, the Mississippi Physical Therapy Practice Law sets out qualifications for licensure in Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-23-47 (1)(a) as requiring applicants to “be of good moral character.” Similar statutory authority regarding good moral character and felony is granted to other boards. See e.g., Mississippi Nursing Practice Act which allows the Board to deny an application for licensure upon proof that such person “has been convicted of felony, or a crime involving moral turpitude;” see Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-29 (1)(b); see also MS Pharmacy Practice Act, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-21-97 (1)(c), the Board may refuse to issue a license to a person who has been found guilty of a felony, or any act involving moral turpitude or gross immorality…;” see also Licensing and Regulation of Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, Miss. Code POST OFFICE BOX 4508, JACKSON, MS 39296-4508 • PHONE: 601-987-6806 • FAX: 601-987-6808 WWW.SWMFT.MS.GOV # STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PHIL BRYANT, Governor TATE REEVES, Lt. Governor # MISSISSIPPI # STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS # FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS Page 3- Request for Attorney General Opinion Ann. Section 73-53-17 (1)(g), the applicant may be subject to sanctions if the Board finds that an applicant has been “convicted of any crime which is a felony under the laws of the state or of the United States of America.” see also Qualifications for Barber Instructors, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-5-8 (b), “any person is qualified to receive a certificate of registration as a barber instructor who “is of good moral and temperate habits;” see also Regulation of Dietitians, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-10-21 (4)(a)(3), the Board may deny a license to an applicant if “convicted of a crime in any court other than a misdemeanor;” see also Board of Medical Licensure, Miss Code Ann. Section 73-25-29 (4) and (6), the grounds for denial of licensure include (4) “conviction of a violation of any federal or state law regulating the possession , distribution or use of any narcotic drug or any drug considered a controlled substance under state or federal law. . . (6) conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;” see also Qualifications for licensure as an Engineer, Miss. Code Ann .Section 73-13-23 (1)(e) “no person shall be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer who is not of good character and reputation, as defined in the Board’s Code of Professional Conduct. . . ;” see also Real Estate Appraisers Act, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-34-14 (2)(a) “[T]he board must ensure that applicants for a real estate appraiser license or certification do not possess a background that could call into question public trust. . . ;” see also Uniform Athlete Agents Law, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-42-11 (3)(a), “[T]he Secretary of State may refuse to issue a certificate of registration if the applicant has been convicted of a crime in another state that, if committed in this state, would be a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;” see also Mississippi Professional Massage POST OFFICE BOX 4508, JACKSON, MS 39296-4508 • PHONE: 601-987-6806 • FAX: 601-987-6808 WWW.SWMFT.MS.GOV [LOGO] STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PHIL BRYANT, Governor TATE REEVES, Lt. Governor # MISSISSIPPI # STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS # FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS Page 4- Request for Attorney General Opinion Therapy Act, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-67-21(3)(f) “any and all requirements of good moral character;” see also, Nursing Home Administrators Law of 1970, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-17-11(1) (b), “[I]s of good moral character;” see also, Practice of Funeral Service and Funeral Directing, Miss. Code Ann. Sections 73-1151(3)(e) and 4(f), “[I]s of good moral character;” see also, Mississippi Physical Therapy Practice Law, Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-23-59 (1), allowing the Board to impose discipline if the licensee has been “convicted of or pled guilty to a felony”. Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-77-9 of the Act provides the following: Absent applicable state law, an individual with a criminal record may petition a licensing authority at any time for a determination of whether the individual’s criminal record will disqualify the individual from obtaining a license. This petition shall include details on the individual’s criminal records. The license authority shall inform the individual of his standing within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition from the applicant. . . Q: Is Section 73-77-9 applicable to require licensing boards to make a determination as to whether or not the individual would be disqualified from licensure solely on the basis of the individual’s petition and information provided in the petition as to the individual’s criminal record? Or, may the Board consider additional information available to the Board (e.g., information from a criminal background check)? Based upon a $25 cap prescribed by this Section, who is going to be responsible for the costs of a criminal background check? Q: Further, if as demonstrated above, a Board’s enabling statute grants authority to a Board to deny a license or impose discipline on the basis of any crime, does the Board have to make a determination at any time prior to the Board obtaining all information, POST OFFICE BOX 4508, JACKSON, MS 39296-4508 • PHONE: 601-987-6806 • FAX: 601-987-6808 WWW.SWMFT.MS.GOV STATE OF MISSISSIPPI PHIL BRYANT, Governor TATE REEVES, Lt. Governor # MISSISSIPPI # STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS Page 5- Request for Attorney General Opinion including a criminal background check, to determine whether the individual is disqualified from obtaining a license? Q: Additionally, is Section 73-77-9 applicable only when an individual has filed an application for license or may an individual who has not filed an application for license petition at any time (i.e. prior to entering college) for a determination of criminal record disqualification? Q: What type of response is required of the licensing Board within thirty (30) days of receiving the petition regarding the criminal record disqualification? Is it sufficient, for example, if the response is to acknowledge receipt of the petition and to advise that the Board will provide a determination upon completion of its investigation and/or submission of a complete application and/or review of the criminal record? Q: Will the Board be bound by its determination pursuant to Section 73-77-9 (1) at the time that a non-licensure applicant files an application for licensure? Q: If Section 73-77-9 is applicable to non-licensure applicants, does subsection 2 require a hearing for the non-licensing applicants? Q: Under Section 73-77-9 can the board make a determination based upon the information provided by applicant who has not been subject to a Board authorized criminal background check and include a disclaimer? Thank you for your attention to this matter and consideration of the licensing Boards' request. Billy Dilworth Billy Dilworth Executive Director POST OFFICE BOX 4508, JACKSON, MS 39296-4508 • PHONE: 601-987-6806 • FAX: 601-987-6808 WWW.SWMFT.MS.GOV