Louisiana House Bill HB259

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/19/14
• Engrossed: 3/31/14
• Refer: 4/1/14
• Report Pass: 5/13/14
• Enrolled: 5/20/14
• Chaptered: 5/30/14
• Passed: 5/30/14

Caption

Provides relative to arrest records provided to institutions of postsecondary education requesting criminal history information on a prospective employee

Impact

The implementation of HB 259 will directly impact the procedures that postsecondary education institutions must follow when conducting background checks on potential employees. By mandating access to a more comprehensive set of arrest and conviction records, the bill facilitates a more thorough vetting process intended to protect students and staff. This change could lead to heightened scrutiny during the hiring process and may influence the hiring decisions made by educational institutions across Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 259 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the criminal history information provided to institutions of postsecondary education when they request criminal history checks on prospective employees. The bill specifies that these institutions will be provided with detailed state and national criminal history records, including information about prior arrests related to severe offenses such as sexual offenses and crimes of violence. This legislative move seeks to enhance the safety of educational environments by ensuring that hiring decisions are informed by an applicant's past criminal behavior.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment regarding HB 259 appears to be positive among lawmakers, as evidenced by its unanimous support during voting in the Senate. The intent of the bill—enhancing safety in educational institutions—resonates well with the public and legislators alike. However, there might be underlying concerns related to the implications of extensive background checks, particularly around fairness and the potential impact on individuals with past offenses who seek employment in education.

Contention

Despite its broad support, there may still be points of contention surrounding the implementation of the bill. Critics may argue that excessive emphasis on past criminal records could disproportionately affect certain individuals, particularly those who have served their sentences and are trying to reintegrate into the workforce. The bill might raise discussions about the balance between ensuring safety in educational settings and providing fair opportunities for rehabilitation and employment for those with criminal histories.