37-39-202. Background checks. (1) As a prerequisite to the issuance of a license, candidate license, or certification, the board shall require an applicant to submit fingerprints for the purposes of fingerprint checks by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in 37-1-307. The board shall require a criminal background check of applicants and shall determine the applicant's suitability for licensure as provided in 37-1-201 through 37-1-205 and 37-1-307.

(2) (a) An applicant who has a history of criminal convictions has the opportunity, as provided in 37-1-203, to demonstrate to the board that the applicant is sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust.

(b) The board may deny the license or certification if the board determines the applicant is not sufficiently rehabilitated.