Kansas Senate Bill SB491

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/9/24
• Report Pass: 2/21/24
• Engrossed: 2/28/24
• Refer: 2/28/24
• Report Pass: 3/14/24
• Enrolled: 3/28/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

Standardizing criminal history record check fingerprinting language and defining who may be fingerprinted for a criminal history record check.

Impact

If enacted, SB491 will amend existing statutes to require all criminal justice agencies in Kansas to submit fingerprints of applicants for certain positions to both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This approach ensures that all applicants undergo thorough background checks, thereby aiming to prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal histories from obtaining sensitive positions. Moreover, the bill may lead to improvements in public trust in the integrity of individuals holding public safety roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 491 seeks to standardize the criminal history and record check process in Kansas by establishing uniform language and requirements regarding fingerprinting for individuals applying for various licenses. The bill defines who is eligible to be fingerprinted for criminal history purposes and outlines the responsibilities of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in managing these checks. The changes aim to enhance the reliability and efficiency of background checks while ensuring consistency across various sectors, including law enforcement and healthcare.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB491 is largely supportive among legislators who view the bill as a necessary step towards improving public safety and standardizing processes that currently vary widely. Supporters argue that these measures will protect vulnerable populations by ensuring that only qualified individuals can access certain jobs. However, there are concerns from some quarters about the potential costs and administrative burden associated with the new fingerprinting requirements, which some stakeholders fear may slow down the hiring process in critical sectors.

Contention

One notable point of contention relates to concerns over privacy and the handling of sensitive personal information that will be collected during the fingerprinting process. Critics have raised questions about how the data will be secured and used, emphasizing the need for strict regulations to prevent misuse of the fingerprints and associated criminal history information. Additionally, there are discussions about the implications this bill may have on applicants with past convictions, as the broad scope of checks may disproportionately affect certain demographics.