Connecticut Senate Bill SB00869

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/17
• Refer: 2/22/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Criminal Background Checks For Door-to-door Salespersons.

Impact

The implementation of SB00869 will have notable implications for the door-to-door sales industry in Connecticut. It is intended to raise professional standards in the field by requiring that salespersons demonstrate a clear background check, thereby fostering a safer and more trustworthy environment for consumers. This bill is a part of a broader effort to regulate professions that involve direct interaction between sellers and consumers, especially concerning their safety and security.

Summary

SB00869, known as the Act Requiring Criminal Background Checks for Door-to-Door Salespersons, mandates that individuals employed in door-to-door sales submit to a criminal background check before they begin their job in the state. This requirement is aimed at enhancing consumer protection by ensuring that salespersons do not have criminal histories that could negatively impact consumers they engage with directly. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2017, requiring affected employees to bear the costs associated with the background checks themselves.

Contention

Although the bill is framed as a consumer protection measure, it might raise concerns among industry stakeholders regarding the feasibility and implications of mandatory background checks. There may be debates surrounding the costs incurred by potential employees for these checks, as hiring may be affected if applicants are deterred by the requirement. Proponents emphasize the necessity of such measures for safeguarding public interest, while opponents may argue about the potential biases that criminal history checks could introduce in employment opportunities.