Louisiana House Bill HB937

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/16
• Engrossed: 4/13/16
• Refer: 4/14/16
• Report Pass: 5/16/16
• Enrolled: 5/26/16
• Chaptered: 6/9/16
• Passed: 6/9/16

Caption

Provides relative to background checks of certain persons who perform services relative to motor vehicles

Impact

The bill is notable for limiting the frequency of background checks to an initial submission of fingerprint cards rather than annual renewals. Once the initial check is completed, subsequent monitoring of criminal histories for these individuals will continue but without the need for annual resubmissions. This change is expected to streamline the process for businesses involved in motor vehicle transactions, potentially encouraging more individuals to seek certification without the burden of repetitive checks.

Summary

House Bill 937 amends existing law regarding background checks for individuals working in services related to motor vehicles in Louisiana. The bill specifically addresses the requirements for obtaining contracts or licenses with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. By formalizing the background check procedure, the bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals involved in processing transactions related to motor vehicles have undergone appropriate scrutiny regarding their criminal history.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, who argue it strikes a balance by ensuring safety while reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses. Legislative discussions reflected a general agreement on the necessity of having a secure vetting process but also highlighted concerns regarding how the changes might affect ongoing oversight of individuals in these roles. Proponents of the bill emphasize that fewer repeat checks will alleviate frustrations for qualified service providers.

Contention

While the primary contention revolves around the frequency of background checks, some stakeholders raised concerns about the adequacy of simply relying on initial checks without annual follow-ups. Critics worried that this could potentially expose the system to risks if individuals with poor backgrounds are allowed to operate for extended periods without further examination. The discussions around this aspect indicate a divide in perspectives on how best to maintain public safety while facilitating business operations.