PROCLAMATION BY HE &urn= of Or tiatr tit Draii 4]-1718 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME: June 12, 1979 Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14 of the Constitution of Texas, I hereby veto House Bill 590 because of the following objections: This bill had good intentions by allowing persons convicted of a crime to obtain a state license and engage in certain occupations licensed by the state. The problem with this bill is that it allows licensing even where the crime had a direct relation to the occupation licensed if the person has been "rehabilitated". However, the standards as to what constitutes rehabilitation are so low that practically every released criminal would qualify. Criteria like satisfactory completion of parole, one year lapse since release from prison, or letters of ,reference are certainly not sufficient to establish real rehabilitation. Under this bill it would be possible for former criminals to be licensed for just any occupation, including law enforcement, private security, or the practice of law. The intent of the bill to give rehabilitated criminals a better chance to rejoin the mainstream of society is a good one but the safeguards are so poorly drawn as to jeopardize one of the main reasons for having state licensing programs. Governor Briscoe vetoed a similar bill in 1977, and I also hereby veto House Bill 590. Respectfully, ti)1.y. l iam P. Clements, Governor FILF.D IN TILE OFFICE OF TILE SECRTARY OF STATE ° .411-271-.4.cLocic JUN 1 3 1979 Secretary of State - 15 -