The commission may deny any application for the issuance of a credential or for the renewal of a credential made by any applicant who falls under any of the following categories:

(a) Lacks the qualifications which are prescribed by law or regulations adopted by the commission pursuant thereto.

(b) Is physically or mentally so disabled as to be rendered unfit to perform the duties authorized by the credential for which he or she applies. However, the mere fact that an applicant has sought or received psychiatric treatment shall not be considered as preliminary evidence of mental disability and shall not provoke special scrutiny of such applicant’s qualifications for a credential.

(c) Is addicted to the use of intoxicating beverages to excess.

(d) Is addicted to the use of controlled substances.

(e) Has committed any act involving moral turpitude.

(f) Has had a certification document revoked.

(g) Has intentionally practiced or attempted to practice any material deception or fraud in his or her application.

(h) Fails or refuses to furnish reasonable evidence of identification or good moral character.

(i) Has been convicted of any offense defined in subdivision 1 of Section 314 of the Penal Code prior to September 7, 1955.

Any denial pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, shall be based upon reasons related to the applicant’s fitness to teach or fitness to perform other duties for which that applicant is certificated, or competence to perform the duties which the credential would authorize the applicant to perform.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1635, Sec. 25.)