Declares it is the policy of the state of Washington to encourage and contribute to the rehabilitation of felons and to assist them in the assumption of the responsibilities of citizenship. The legislature recognizes that realistic opportunities for meaningful and profitable employment are an essential ingredient to this goal. Occupations that require a license, permit, certificate, or registration to engage in an occupation should not be foreclosed from individuals with a criminal conviction solely on the basis of the conviction. Further, individuals with criminal convictions should be able to pursue training or educational opportunities with some certainty that they will be able to realize the end goal of obtaining employment in a chosen field. Whenever possible, licensing entities should provide guidance to those individuals as to those crimes or categories of crimes that may prevent the person from attaining a license, and positive steps that may assist the person in obtaining a license despite a criminal conviction.

Requires the director of the department of licensing or the director's designee to, within existing resources, review and recommend changes to the law and policies relating to licenses regulated by the uniform regulation of business and professions act to encourage the employment of individuals with criminal convictions while ensuring the safety of the public.

Requires the director of the department of licensing to, by December 1, 2009, compile and thereafter maintain a guide to assist individuals with criminal convictions in identifying potential avenues of employment.

Expires section 3 of the act on January 1, 2010.