Relating To Criminal History Record Checks.
If enacted, this bill will directly change the regulatory landscape concerning background checks in regards to access to federal tax information. Specifically, it allows the Attorney General's department to deny or terminate employment based on the findings of these thorough background checks if they deem that an individual poses a risk to federal tax information security. This measure is expected to enhance the security provisions around sensitive tax information, thereby fostering trust in governmental processes and protecting citizen data.
House Bill 896 aims to authorize the Department of the Attorney General in Hawaii to conduct criminal history record checks on current and prospective employees and contractors who have access to federal tax information. The bill arises from the need to comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements, which mandate comprehensive background checks including state and federal fingerprint-based checks. This legislation intends to streamline the process by ensuring that the necessary authorizations and procedures are established under Hawaii law, particularly under Chapter 28 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 896 pertain to the balance between security and the rights of individuals undergoing background checks. Concerns have been raised about the implications for privacy and due process, especially regarding how assessments might lead to employment denials without appropriately rigorous review processes. The mechanism of notifying individuals of adverse findings and allowing them to present their case is intended to address these concerns, but may not completely assuage fears about transparency and fairness in the decision-making process.