Louisiana House Bill HB828

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Repeals the requirement that fingerprints shall be forwarded to the FBI for a national criminal history check of certain potential employees

Impact

If enacted, HB 828 would significantly alter the current procedures for conducting background checks. It would eliminate the necessity for fingerprint submissions to the FBI, which could expedite the hiring process for employers. However, it raises questions about the thoroughness of background checks, as federal oversight would no longer be a component of the records verification process. This could affect the overall landscape of employment screening in Louisiana, particularly in sectors that require high security or safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 828 seeks to amend existing Louisiana law regarding the process of conducting background checks on potential employees. The bill proposes to repeal the requirement for the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information to forward fingerprints of certain job applicants to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for national criminal history checks. This legislative change aims to streamline the background check process by allowing employers to access conviction records directly without the involvement of federal resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 828 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill would reduce bureaucratic delays and make it easier for employers to hire qualified candidates. They see this as a necessary modernization of the background check process that can ultimately benefit the state's economy by facilitating quicker hiring practices. Conversely, opponents express concerns that removing federal oversight could lead to incomplete background checks, potentially jeopardizing workplace safety and security, particularly in sensitive job sectors.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention associated with HB 828 is the balance between expediency and thoroughness in the background check process. Proponents emphasize the need for efficiency in hiring practices, arguing that the existing requirement for federal checks is excessive and slow. However, opponents are worried that without these checks, the likelihood of hiring individuals with undisclosed criminal backgrounds could increase, posing risks not just to coworkers but also to the general public. The bill illustrates a broader debate on the appropriate level of regulation and oversight in employment practices.