Training for a job or an occupational license can be costly.

A bipartisan bill cleared through a House committee today would let ex-offenders know if it's worth the time and expense.

Under House Bill 124 and ex-offender competition, a licensing board or public employer to find out if their criminal record disqualifies them from public employment or an occupational license before enrolling in any required training.

Another provision an applicant can only be disqualified if their conviction applies directly to the job.

The sponsor of the bill, Republican State Representative Emily Callaway, says it will help remove barriers to employment, a key to reducing recidivism and address the state's workforce shortage.

A reason one committee member said he was voting yes on the bill.

We have so many new companies coming to this state and they are telling us all the time that they don't have enough qualified workers.

So these kind of bills right here proved to me anyway that you can be tough on crime, but you can be forgiving when they've paid their debt to society, you know?

I would like to see this bill pass and and others like it.

The bill was forwarded to the full House on a unanimous vote in committee.

The Licensing and Occupations Committee also passed Senate Bill 50, allowing micro distillers to sell up to 5000 gallons a year directly to a licensed bar or store.