NH
New Hampshire House Bill HB1156

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB1156

Introduced
11/17/21  
Refer
11/17/21  

Caption

Requiring certain public servants to receive a copy of a pre-employment background investigation.

Impact

The legislation may impact various state laws concerning employment procedures and the handling of background information. It specifically alters RSA 275 by adding a new section aimed at protecting candidates' rights when undergoing pre-employment background investigations. The introduction of such legislation underscores the growing importance of transparency regarding employment practices in the public sector, particularly for positions that involve significant responsibilities and trust.

Summary

House Bill 1156 requires public employers to provide candidates for public servant positions a copy of their pre-employment background check report. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the hiring process within public employment sectors and protect candidates from potential unfair practices surrounding the review of their backgrounds. By mandating that all candidates receive this information, the bill seeks to ensure that public servants are treated fairly during their hiring process, enabling them to understand the basis of any employment decisions made about them.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1156 appears generally positive among advocates for employment rights and transparency. Supporters argue that providing individuals with their background check reports is a necessary step towards ensuring fairness in hiring practices and addressing potential biases that could arise from incomplete or outdated information. Conversely, there may be concerns from some public employers regarding the administrative burden of complying with this requirement, but the overall view seems to lean towards supporting equitable treatment in public sector employment.

Contention

While HB 1156 is primarily seen as a progressive step towards enhancing workers’ rights, potential points of contention could arise concerning the specifics of how background checks are conducted and the interpretations of an individual's suitability for employment based on past events that may not be reflective of their current capabilities. There may also be debates surrounding the implications of such transparency on the hiring processes and the protection of sensitive information.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH AB1339

Public employment: background investigations.

NH HB1529

Requiring prospective employees and volunteers of public libraries to obtain a background check prior to commencing employment or volunteer service.

NH HB56

Requiring a background check and mandatory waiting period during certain firearm transfers.

NH SB92

Relative to increasing the penalty for criminal mischief, the release of a defendant pending trial, and requiring law enforcement candidate background checks.

NH SB152

Cyfd Investigations & Background Checks

NH HB59

Requiring a background check prior to any commercial firearm sale.

NH HB738

Requiring certain non-public schools or education service providers that accept public funds to perform background checks on all employees and volunteers.

NH HB1664

Requiring certain non-public schools or education service providers that accept public funds to perform background checks on all employees and volunteers.

NH HB574

Requiring background checks of the private companies and their contractors who program and maintain New Hampshire voting machines.

NH HB628

Requiring certain non-public schools or education service providers that accept public funds to perform background checks on all employees and volunteers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.