Adds the House and Governmental Affairs Committee as an entity eligible to receive criminal history record information
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to improve the ability of legislative committees to make informed decisions by allowing them access to criminal history information. By including the House and Governmental Affairs Committee in the list of eligible entities, it facilitates greater transparency and accountability within government operations. This access could potentially lead to more rigorous evaluations of public officials and candidates for state positions, ensuring that those in government have suitable backgrounds.
Summary
House Bill 155 amends existing legislation related to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, expanding the range of entities eligible to access criminal history records. Specifically, it includes the House and Governmental Affairs Committee among those who can request and receive information regarding criminal identification and history. This amendment aims to enhance oversight and support due diligence in government processes by ensuring that legislative committees have access to relevant criminal records as needed for their functions.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 155 appears to be positive, especially among legislators who see it as a step towards improving governance and ensuring that those in positions of power are held to higher standards. While there may be concerns regarding privacy and the implications of expanding access to criminal records, such concerns seem to be overshadowed by the benefits perceived in enhancing oversight and legislative accountability.
Contention
One notable point of contention around HB 155 could involve debates over privacy rights versus the necessity for transparency in government. Critics might argue that increasing access to criminal records for legislative committees could lead to misuse of information or stigmatization of individuals with previous criminal histories. However, supporters emphasize the importance of having thorough background checks to foster trust in governmental appointments and operations.
Provides relative to criminal history records checks for agencies with access to federal tax information, criminal history record information, or state issued REAL ID information (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information to release certain criminal history record information to the Department of Children and Family Services
Provides for access to criminal history records and identification files by the office of technology services. (8/1/22) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG RV See Note)
Requires the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information to provide criminal history information regarding employees or potential employees to juvenile detention facilities. (gov sig)
Provides for access to criminal history information in civil cases of domestic abuse, dating violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.