An Act Concerning Fingerprinting Services For Criminal History Records Checks.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly amend existing laws related to the handling of criminal history records. It underscores the necessity for criminal background checks within professional licensing processes, ensuring that individuals with disqualifying criminal histories are not granted admission to the bar. This legislative proposal could raise public confidence in the integrity of the legal profession by implementing tighter controls over who can practice law, aligning with broader public safety objectives.
Summary
House Bill 07094 is designed to enhance the process of conducting criminal history records checks specifically for applicants seeking admission to the state bar. The legislation mandates that the State Police Bureau of Identification accept fingerprints from these applicants and facilitates the sharing of state, multistate, and federal criminal history records with the State Bar Examining Committee. This aims to ensure a thorough investigation of an applicant’s qualifications before they can be admitted as an attorney in the state. The bill also reflects a commitment to maintaining public safety by ensuring that those admitted to the bar meet required moral and legal standards.
Contention
While the bill seems largely benign, potential points of contention may arise regarding the fees charged for fingerprinting and background checks, as those are to be stipulated by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Critics might argue that the financial burden of these fees could disproportionately affect lower-income applicants. Additionally, there may be discussions about privacy and the extent of information shared across state and federal platforms, which could raise concerns among civil liberties advocates regarding data security and the implications of maintaining detailed records of individuals without proceeding to formal charges.
An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Department Of Children And Families Relating To Background Checks, Certain Subsidies, Urgent Crisis Centers, Departmental Records And Special Police Officers.
An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.