SHARE Act States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act
Impact
The legislation would amend existing laws concerning the sharing of criminal history records under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. By allowing the FBI to provide criminal history information directly to state authorities in accordance with interstate compacts, significantly enhances the ability of states to verify the qualifications of applicants who wish to practice a profession in another state. This could potentially boost the workforce mobility of skilled professionals, addressing labor shortages in certain areas.
Summary
House Bill 1310, formally known as the 'States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act' or the 'SHARE Act', seeks to streamline the process for interstate licensing by enabling the sharing of FBI criminal history record information among state licensing authorities. The bill aims to address the increasing mobility of professionals across state lines by allowing states that are part of an interstate compact to utilize a uniform database for conducting background checks on individuals seeking licensure. This initiative is designed to facilitate easier access to employment opportunities for licensed professionals moving between states, ensuring consistency and efficiency in the licensure process.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1310 could arise from concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive criminal history information. Critics may worry about the limitations placed on sharing this information, as the bill mandates that state licensing authorities use the data solely for the purpose of evaluating license applications and prohibits further dissemination. There might be debates regarding the adequacy of safeguards in place to protect personal data and ensure that the information is being used fairly and ethically.