Blog & News | backgroundchecks.com

The Criminal Background Check is Only Getting More Important

By Michael Klazema | 03/29/2023

As regulations change nationwide, is the criminal background check still important? Yes—absolutely. See why vetting is s...

New Jersey School Bus Company Deliberately Skipped Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/29/2023

Is your child's school bus driver a safe, trusted individual? In one New Jersey city, a transportation provider repeated...

What Employers Should Know About AI in Recruiting

By Michael Klazema | 03/27/2023

Will AI in recruiting be a complete game-changer, or will it spur a flurry of new regulatory actions? Learn about the la...

Criminal Background Checks & Second Chance Policy Roundup

By Michael Klazema | 03/27/2023

Are more limits on criminal background checks coming this year? Explore our round-up of the latest "Second Chance" actio...

Changes in the Cannabis Sector: Background Checks and More

By Michael Klazema | 03/13/2023

As evolution occurs in the cannabis sector, background checks and other regulations have changed rapidly. We look at the...

AI Bias Law Audit Law Stalls, Questions Remain

By Michael Klazema | 03/9/2023

As New York City continues to examine an AI bias audit law for emerging hiring technologies, what should employers know ...

Sex Offender Background Check Requirements for STRs

By Michael Klazema | 03/7/2023

Should there be a required sex offender background check to occupy a short-term rental? Some regions say "yes" emphatica...

Missouri Aims to Require Background Checks for Some Adult Students

By Michael Klazema | 03/1/2023

Some schools, especially technical academies, host blended classrooms combining people of varied ages. Should there be b...

Maintaining Background Check Compliance with Privacy Laws

By Michael Klazema | 03/1/2023

As more states enact laws about personal data, what should employers know about background check compliance with new pri...

Employee Background Checks Coming to Utah Libraries

By Michael Klazema | 03/1/2023

Should libraries use employee background checks on their workers? One Utah lawmaker says yes, and his bill could see an ...

Possible Changes to Tenant Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 02/22/2023

Nationwide, efforts to make the rental market fairer have gained steam. Now, a new initiative by the White House could i...

ADA Guidance and Background Screening Companies

By Michael Klazema | 02/14/2023

The ADA and EEOC regulations apply to everyone from background screening companies to regular employers. Find out about ...

Governments Face Challenges in Regulating AI and Hiring Algorithms for Background Screening

By Michael Klazema | 02/7/2023

As AI advances continue, so too do concerns over its applications for background screening—but push-back from industry a...

Delays in Healthcare Background Checks Highlight Troublesome Red Tape

By Michael Klazema | 02/2/2023

How can red tape impact your application process? Troubles with the background check system in Minnesota reveal concerns...

Arizona Creates Fresh Second Chance Opportunities With Record Sealing Law

By Michael Klazema | 02/2/2023

With Arizona opening the door to permanently sealing more criminal records, how can employers adapt and remain legally c...

What Do New Legal Protections for Cannabis Users Mean for Businesses?

By Michael Klazema | 01/31/2023

Increasingly, more states are considering changes to employment law because of cannabis legalization. How will it impact...

Why Should Companies Care About Employment Verification Checks?

By Michael Klazema | 01/31/2023

Vetting means more than criminal background checks. Explore why employers should care about more in-depth verifications,...

Second Chance Opportunities Expand Across the Transport Industry

By Michael Klazema | 01/23/2023

As the transportation sector continues to face a labor shortage, some carriers have expanded their hiring pool. Could th...

New Year Brings New Record Sealing Laws Into Effect

By Michael Klazema | 01/23/2023

Across the nation, in 2022, multiple states passed new laws concerning old criminal records. In 2023, many come into for...

AirBNB and Inconsistent Background Checks: Can Businesses Do Better?

By Michael Klazema | 01/16/2023

After AirBNB endured a major PR headache in 2022, conversations have continued about how companies can best handle vetti...

Federal and Future State Pardons for Cannabis Complicate Employment Screening

By Michael Klazema | 01/11/2023

In the wake of a federal blanket pardon for low-level cannabis crimes, some states have begun considering a similar appr...

California County Bans Tenant Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 01/6/2023

Across the US, many communities struggle with a growing homelessness crisis. One California county hopes to expand oppor...

More Municipalities Consider Ban the Box Expansion

By Michael Klazema | 12/30/2022

More municipalities are considering expanding the reach of “ban the box” laws. A major Florida city is the latest to con...

New York Expands Access to Special State Background Registries

By Michael Klazema | 12/27/2022

Protecting children is a common goal in government but often hard to achieve. New York's new law for child advocates aim...

Federal Government Faces Lawsuit Over Social Media Monitoring

By Michael Klazema | 12/23/2022

How much does the federal government monitor social media, especially for background checks? A new lawsuit aims to revea...

How Can Employers Think About Shrinking the Gender Gap?

By Michael Klazema | 12/23/2022

Even in a post-pandemic world, gender inequalities continue to exist in the workplace. Can companies take proactive step...

Background Checks and Due Diligence for Bus Drivers

By Michael Klazema | 12/16/2022

Bus drivers are a critical part of the school system, but are schools doing enough to protect young passengers? Proper v...

Using Ongoing Monitoring to Keep Repeat Offenders Out of Schools

By Michael Klazema | 12/13/2022

Protecting young students is vital, but one criminal background check isn't sufficient. How can ongoing monitoring help ...

How Relevant is Workplace Drug Testing in 2023 and Beyond?

By Michael Klazema | 12/9/2022

Is drug screening still worth the time or expense for employers? Changing attitudes may soon demand a changed approach i...

Are Employment Verifications Failing To Go Far Enough?

By Michael Klazema | 12/6/2022

Going beyond the background check to verify information candidates provide is more important than ever—but are verificat...

The Vital Importance of Background Checks in Nursing Homes & Healthcare

By Michael Klazema | 12/2/2022

Nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient facilities—all depend on trustworthy healthcare workers. What happens when you skip...

What Landlords Today Need To Know About Tenant Screening

By Michael Klazema | 11/29/2022

A tenant background check is a prevalent tool for landlords, but the landscape is growing more complex. See the latest u...

Why Do Some Companies Choose Open Hiring Policies?

By Michael Klazema | 11/25/2022

Vetting job applicants is often a standard procedure, but some companies opt for “open hiring,” accepting anyone. Why, a...

What’s Happening in the Gig Economy?

By Michael Klazema | 11/22/2022

The gig economy is here to stay, but it seems that so too, are the safety woes surrounding these services. What can we l...

Recent Allegations at Schools Nationwide Highlight Challenges for Employers

By Michael Klazema | 11/17/2022

In our latest roundup of the headlines, we look at several disturbing instances of abuse by teachers and coaches. What a...

New York Clean Slate Act Falters in State Legislature Again

By Michael Klazema | 11/15/2022

Despite a vigorous, fair chance movement nationwide, New York's attempt at reform—and a wide-reaching expungement progra...

Haunted House Employed Convicted Sex Offenders

By Michael Klazema | 11/11/2022

Don't let the demand for seasonal workers change how you view due diligence. A scary story from an Ohio haunted house re...

Inspector General Calls for Tougher Census Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 11/10/2022

In an official review of Census Bureau employment records, the Office of the Inspector General discovered serious shortc...

Massachusetts Works to Make Police Officer Records Publicly Accessible

By Michael Klazema | 11/4/2022

Aiming to restore public confidence in law enforcement, Massachusetts will soon let citizens search officer disciplinary...

California Background Check Delays Set To Continue

By Michael Klazema | 11/2/2022

A 2021 ruling in California upended the state's background check landscape. Recent efforts to correct the issue have com...

How Biden's Executive Action on Marijuana Might Impact Employment

By Michael Klazema | 10/29/2022

President Biden signaled a major future shift in cannabis policy with one sweeping executive action. What does this chan...

Survey Shows Workers Embracing the Fair Chance Philosophy

By Michael Klazema | 10/26/2022

How do employees and job-seekers feel about Fair Chance policies? New survey results reveal intriguing trends in shiftin...

Are Applicants Background Checking Your Business?

By Michael Klazema | 10/20/2022

Job-seekers don't always zero in only on compensation when considering where to work. See how applicants can "background...

The Current State of Social Media Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 10/19/2022

Social media background checks can be risky tools for employers, but that hasn't stopped their spread. What is the curre...

Major Sex Abuse Scandal at Cheer Gym Highlights Dangerous Pitfalls

By Michael Klazema | 10/14/2022

Sports can play an important role in a child's development, but problems continue to plague the youth sports industry. W...

When Background Checks Cause PR Problems

By Michael Klazema | 10/11/2022

To keep travelers and hosts safe, AirBNB uses background checks. Inconsistency in the results has led to user bans and r...

Rules for Legalized Psilocybin Come Into View

By Michael Klazema | 10/6/2022

After legalizing the psychedelic drug psilocybin for medicine, Oregon has released draft rules for the industry. What do...

Utah Lawmakers Angle to Impose New Screening Requirements on Clergy

By Michael Klazema | 10/4/2022

Should churches be required to run background checks on volunteers and clergy? One Utah lawmaker says "yes." Learn more ...

Keeping Kids Safe: Navigating the Childcare Environment in a Challenging Time

By Michael Klazema | 09/30/2022

Childcare is a vital service relied upon by tens of millions of parents, but the system is under strain. What's happenin...

Another Texas County Bans the Box for Public Employers

By Michael Klazema | 09/29/2022

Texas has very few laws about how employers can screen potential new hires at the state level. However, as another count...

Avoiding Common Tenant Scams: What Can Landlords Do?

By Michael Klazema | 09/27/2022

Everyone deserves a safe place to live, but some "tenants" seek to game the system for their own gain. What should landl...

Volunteer Coach Loses Job After Disclosing His Criminal Background

By Michael Klazema | 09/22/2022

A volunteer football coach was fired for voluntarily disclosing past drug convictions. What are some of the key takeaway...

The Risks Posed by Indirect Hires and Volunteers

By Michael Klazema | 09/19/2022

Organizations that work with children have strict rules in place for safety, but they don't always go far enough. What a...

What Landlords Need to Know About Background Screening

By Michael Klazema | 09/16/2022

Do you know how to use tenant background checks appropriately? Updates to screening laws in CA and NJ serve as a reminde...

The Need for Strengthening Due Diligence in Schools

By Michael Klazema | 09/12/2022

In education, due diligence must extend beyond background checks for schools, incorporating an evolving set of procedure...

Backlogs and Vague Guidelines Blunt "Clean Slate" Impacts

By Michael Klazema | 09/8/2022

As clean slate laws roll out nationwide, the best intentions behind the efforts have run into problems from lengthy dela...

Can You Get a Job Requiring a Security Clearance with Past Marijuana Convictions?

By Michael Klazema | 09/1/2022

With changing attitudes nationwide surrounding marijuana use, some employers have changed their criteria. What about gov...

New Polygraph Technology Claims Eye Movements Reveal Lies

By Michael Klazema | 08/30/2022

Polygraph or "lie detector" tests have been around for decades. A new firm claims its eye-tracking technology is the nex...

California's New Rules for Adult Volunteers in Youth Organizations

By Michael Klazema | 08/26/2022

Many youth organizations rely on volunteers to perform staff functions without straining a nonprofit's budget. New laws ...

Post-Pandemic Hiring Reminders: Due Diligence is Still Important

By Michael Klazema | 08/23/2022

With businesses still hiring aggressively to replenish staff and meet demand, due diligence could fall by the wayside. S...

Do Employers Need To Pay for Time for Pre-Employment Drug Tests?

By Michael Klazema | 08/22/2022

A pre-employment drug test is a standard part of the hiring process, but do you have to pay for the time it takes an app...

Uber Remains in the Spotlight for Spotty Safety Policies

By Michael Klazema | 08/18/2022

Even after years of controversy around Uber's background check and safety policies, some allege that little has changed....

Potential Changes New Jersey Jury Selection Hold Lessons for Employers

By Michael Klazema | 08/16/2022

In an effort to combat bias and constitute more diverse juries, the New Jersey Supreme Court will consider numerous chan...

White Collar Crimes: Where Background Checks Can and Can't Help

By Michael Klazema | 08/9/2022

Businesses and nonprofits alike must think about preventing white-collar crimes such as embezzlement. What role do backg...

Evolving Legislation Creates Hiring Challenges for Manufacturers

By Michael Klazema | 08/4/2022

With supply chains strained and labor shortages continuing, manufacturers need more workers now without compromising saf...

How Normal Is It To Lie on a Resume?

By Michael Klazema | 08/2/2022

The resume is a cornerstone of the job application process and a starting point for many employers—but are you more like...

Recent Trends Show More Employers Embracing Fair Chance Hiring

By Michael Klazema | 07/28/2022

With a complicated economic outlook, employers continue to seek out new workers in droves. To fill those positions, more...

Uber Releases New Safety Report with Troubling Data

By Michael Klazema | 07/26/2022

Ridesharing service Uber released a safety report covering the period of 2019-2020. While the company touts its safety r...

Military Contractor Spy Scandal Has Lessons for All Employers

By Michael Klazema | 07/21/2022

A former US servicemember entered a guilty plea after the government discovered he sold classified secrets to China whil...

Roundup of Recent Criminal Incidents in the Trucking Industry

By Michael Klazema | 07/19/2022

Despite best efforts to foster safer working environments, some truckers continue to commit serious crimes on or off the...

What Obligations Do Employers Have When Using Background Checks?

By Michael Klazema | 07/14/2022

Compliance with the FCRA and other federal legislation can be challenging, especially with confusing court rulings. What...

Background Checks Pose Increasing Compliance Challenges

By Michael Klazema | 07/12/2022

Background check compliance is only getting harder. In the wake of court rulings, class action suits, and new legislatio...

Should You Erase Your Online Presence When Applying to Jobs?

By Michael Klazema | 07/7/2022

Social media posts can say more about you to potential employers than you might like. Some now argue for wiping your soc...

Housing Challenges Create Big Hurdles for the Formerly Incarcerated

By Michael Klazema | 07/5/2022

Housing is one of the most challenging needs for a person recently released from prison. Nationwide, the formerly incarc...

The Latest Changes in Clean Slate Legislation

By Michael Klazema | 06/29/2022

More states have taken up the cause of fair chance or second chance legislation. We take a quick look at the latest upda...

Some States Enact New Fingerprint Background Check Laws

By Michael Klazema | 06/23/2022

In an effort to improve the safety of schools and childcare, some states have recently enacted new fingerprint backgroun...

Trucking Industry Roundup: Safe Hiring in a Challenging Space

By Michael Klazema | 06/21/2022

The trucking industry plays a critical role in the economy, but hiring has become problematic in recent years. A look ar...

How Should Businesses Approach Hiring the Formerly Incarcerated?

By Michael Klazema | 06/16/2022

A vast number of Americans have been incarcerated, and the challenges they face upon release often include getting a job...

Why Pre-Employment Screening & Ongoing Criminal Monitoring Really Matter

By Michael Klazema | 06/14/2022

Are tools to screen for past crimes or recent criminal acts really worth the effort to obtain and use? Yes—very much so....

Teachers Accused of Abuse: Highlighting the Importance of Protecting Students

By Michael Klazema | 06/9/2022

In this quick roundup of recent news, we look at how failures and lapses at the institutional level can leave students v...

Nationwide Housing Crisis Drives Controversy Over Tenant Screening

By Michael Klazema | 06/7/2022

With a housing market leaving many buyers shut out and a rental market burdened by inflation, controversy has erupted ov...

Lengthy Background Checks in the Cannabis Sector Can Delay Business Openings

By Michael Klazema | 06/6/2022

Background checks are an important part of the marijuana industry, from the licensing process to the staffing of individ...

Screening Summer Camps for a Safe, Fun Season

By Michael Klazema | 06/6/2022

Camps are a major part of the summer season, and for parents who work, camps and summer daycares are a vital asset. What...

Can Accusations of a Crime Do as Much Damage as a Conviction?

By Michael Klazema | 05/30/2022

Following a 2008 murder, police charged a man and held him in jail for more than eight years before he was acquitted. Th...

Why Truck Driver Background Checks Are Still Important – Even During a Nationwide Trucker Shortage

By Michael Klazema | 05/28/2022

Keywords: criminal background check, truck driver background check, trucking background checks, ongoing monitoring The...

With Job Openings Hitting New Highs, What Does the Future Hold?

By Michael Klazema | 05/25/2022

As the labor market continues to recover from its pandemic-driven lows, job openings have hit record highs—creating oppo...

AI Support in Background Checks: The Future?

By Michael Klazema | 05/20/2022

With applications for machine intelligence on the rise, some have turned to applying these techniques to due diligence. ...

Some Schools Look at Social Media During Hiring. Should They?

By Michael Klazema | 05/18/2022

At a time when many details of our lives are online, some employers think that social media information should factor in...

What You Need to Know about the Push for Marijuana Decriminalization on the Federal Level

By Michael Klazema | 05/18/2022

Congress is considering bills that would decriminalize marijuana on the federal level. Find out what this news means for...

What Is the Value of Using a State-Level Criminal History Search on a Background Check?

By Michael Klazema | 05/13/2022

What value can a state background check bring to your pre-employment screening process? Here's what you need to know abo...

How Can Hiring Practices Impact Cybersecurity Risks for Business?

By Michael Klazema | 05/6/2022

When hiring new employees, businesses often think about the tangible risks of crime or violence—but what about cybersecu...

Changes to Background Check Policies Triggered by Critical Hiring Need

By Michael Klazema | 05/3/2022

Amid low employment rates and historic resignation numbers, should employers lower their standards for pre-employment ba...

Wider Availability of Dating App Background Checks Reveals Concerns

By Michael Klazema | 05/2/2022

In an effort to make online and app-based dating safer, some companies have rolled out in-app background checks. Now, a ...

A Roundup of Recent Sex Offender and Sexual Misconduct News Stores; How Can Employers Avoid These Types of Disasters?

By Michael Klazema | 04/26/2022

Sexual misconduct is a far-too-common fixture in the news, even involving individuals with clear red flags like criminal...

Oklahoma Lawmakers Consider Improvements to Criminal Expungement Process

By Michael Klazema | 04/25/2022

Oklahoma is the latest state to seek significant reform in the process of criminal record expungement. The state is cons...

News Roundup: Arrests Across the Nation for Child Pornography

By Michael Klazema | 04/21/2022

Among the most heinous types of crimes to investigate and prosecute, child pornography cases and incidents involving the...

Unemployment Agency’s Poor Policies Led to Potentially Risky Hires

By Michael Klazema | 04/15/2022

Effective use of background checks requires good governance and oversight. In Michigan, auditors found one agency fallin...

Is Gainesville the Next City to Embrace Ban the Box for Private Employers?

By Michael Klazema | 04/14/2022

Gainesville could soon become the first jurisdiction in Florida to ban the box for private employers. More than a dozen ...

US Military Service Members Have New Pathways to Transition

By Michael Klazema | 04/11/2022

Re-entering civilian society after military service has always been a challenge. Some programs aim to provide inroads fo...

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go? (2022 update)

By Michael Klazema | 04/10/2022

How far back do background checks go? Learn how much information employers and others can access when background checks ...

Uber Vetting Issues - Documentation Screenings Flag Transgender, Nonbinary Applicants

By Michael Klazema | 04/4/2022

Uber is facing accusations that its ridesharing background screening protocols negatively and disproportionately impact ...

Can Background Checks Foster Safer Environments in Churches?

By Michael Klazema | 04/4/2022

With widespread concerns about safety for the vulnerable in religious organizations, more guardrails may contribute to p...

Does the Need for Caregivers Clash With the Need for Background Checks?

By Michael Klazema | 03/30/2022

In a competitive labor market, how can employers in childcare, foster care, or senior care balance the obligation of run...

Delaware Audit Reveals Room for Improvement in Educational Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/25/2022

The State of Delaware recently audited its Department of Education and all school districts for compliance with criminal...

As Businesses Struggle to Find Talent in 2022, Are Ex-Offenders Being Overlooked?

By Michael Klazema | 03/22/2022

Amidst low unemployment rates, widespread labor shortages, and a historic "Great Resignation," should employers be think...

HomeAdvisor Faces Scrutiny Over Allegedly Insufficient Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/17/2022

HomeAdvisor, a site for connecting homeowners with contractors, says they carefully vet all those listed on their site. ...

New Jersey Bans the Box for Housing: What Tenants Should Know

By Michael Klazema | 03/17/2022

A new law in New Jersey protects the rights of prospective tenants by effectively banning the box on housing application...

What Aren’t Your Applicants Telling You About Their Resumés?

By Michael Klazema | 03/10/2022

Lying on job applications and especially in resumés is shockingly common. How can hiring managers verify the trustworthi...

Navigating Situations Where Would-Be Volunteers Bristle at Volunteer Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/9/2022

How can your volunteer organization utilize volunteer background checks in a way that fulfills due diligence responsibil...

A Look at the Growing Push to Regulate AI in the Hiring Process

By Michael Klazema | 03/3/2022

AI in the hiring process could be headed toward more regulation in the coming years. A new law in New York City requires...

Tinder Adds New Resources for Survivors, Still Plans Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 02/24/2022

Attempting to fight back against perceptions that dating platforms are ripe for abuse, Tinder recently announced a new s...

Worrying Gaps in Georgia Criminal Records Databases: What Employers Should Know

By Michael Klazema | 02/22/2022

A recent report indicated that Georgia’s state-level criminal records databases were missing huge amounts of criminal hi...

Are Financial Service Firms Making Risky Hiring Choices?

By Michael Klazema | 02/22/2022

Safe hiring is vital in industries such as finance, where employees may have access to assets and funds. Are these firms...

Fatal 2019 Truck Crash Linked to Improper Driver Vetting, Training

By Michael Klazema | 02/16/2022

The fiery 2019 Lakewood crash killed four people and made fresh headlines when the driver received a 110-year sentence. ...

Recruiting Substitute Teachers Poses Challenges for Schools, Amidst Severe Staffing Shortages

By Michael Klazema | 02/15/2022

A nationwide teacher shortage makes it difficult for schools to staff their classrooms. As schools scramble to find subs...

Arrests, Dismissed Charges, ‘Not Guilty’ Verdicts, and Expungement

By Michael Klazema | 02/9/2022

Sometimes, background checks can show criminal information not linked to a conviction or guilty verdict. Here’s what you...

4 Tips for Talent Retention in 2022

By Michael Klazema | 02/6/2022

Dubbed the “Great Resignation” by media outlets, the significant trend of employees leaving their positions and seeking ...

Tips for Finding a Home Caregiver

By Michael Klazema | 02/1/2022

The population is aging, and with that trend comes a growing need for in-home senior care. If you are hiring a caregiver...

Teachers in Arizona and New Hampshire Accused of Misconduct

By Michael Klazema | 01/25/2022

Reports of sexual assault and misconduct by teachers against their students continue. We consider the latest updates and...

Baltimore County Failed to Do Background Checks for 1,200 Employees

By Michael Klazema | 01/25/2022

A government audit in Maryland’s Baltimore County has found that some 1,200 staffers have never gone through background ...

COVID-Induced Shortages Create Headaches and Risks for Schools

By Michael Klazema | 01/21/2022

With another powerful wave of Covid-19 causing many teachers to miss work due to illness, many districts face critical s...

NYC’s Fair Chance Tenant Background Checks Bill Dead Without a Vote – for Now

By Michael Klazema | 01/12/2022

A Fair Chance bill that would have heavily restricted tenant background checks for landlords in New York City died in th...

Why Background Check Your Date? Recent Viral TikTok Video Gives an Answer

By Michael Klazema | 01/7/2022

Is it safe to go on a date with the person you matched with on Tinder or Hinge? A thorough background screening of your ...

Should Background Checks Have a Place in State Politics?

By Michael Klazema | 01/6/2022

Do political candidates need background checks? Many have questions after a local news team revealed that one mayoral ca...

Bill to Ban Tenant Background Checks in New York City Fails to Pass

By Michael Klazema | 01/4/2022

Lauded by activists as a progressive step to expand access to housing, a last-minute attempt to pass a bill restricting ...

The debate over clean slate laws

By Michael Klazema | 01/1/2022

Clean slate laws could help millions of Americans by making it easier to expunge criminal records. But are there drawbac...

Volunteer Firefighter Facing Felony Rape Charge Hired Due to Oversight

By Michael Klazema | 12/29/2021

A South Carolina volunteer fire department hired an individual facing felony charges in another state, highlighting the ...

Florida Tragedy Shows Background Checks Are a Crucial Tool for Landlords

By Michael Klazema | 12/15/2021

In the wake of a tragedy in Florida, the state could pass a law requiring building employee background checks for apartm...

Slow Chicago-Area Background Checks Lead to Hiring Delays

By Michael Klazema | 12/8/2021

Designed to create safer opportunities for hiring, background checks can sometimes introduce delays into the process. Ar...

What the Healthcare Employee Shortage Means for Hiring in the Medical Field

By Michael Klazema | 12/7/2021

Covid-19 exacerbates an already severe employee shortage in the healthcare field. We explore some of the ways this short...

Can AI-Based Hiring Tools Be Fixed?

By Michael Klazema | 11/27/2021

AI-based hiring tools were touted to save employers time, streamline hiring, and even remove bias from the hiring proces...

Florida May Mandate Background Checks for Apartment Workers

By Michael Klazema | 11/20/2021

Following a murder at a student rental apartment near the University of Florida, some lawmakers have proposed changes to...

CFPB Warns Against Name-Only Matches, Says They May Violate FCRA

By Michael Klazema | 11/17/2021

The FCRA establishes a broad range of consumer protections. A recent government advisory from the CFPB clarified that ce...

Employers Experiment with Removing Barriers to Hiring, From Resumes to Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 11/16/2021

Some employers are experimenting with “open hiring”, a strategy of hiring new employees without interviews, background c...

Policy Changes and Labor Challenges Mean Fewer Drug Tests

By Michael Klazema | 11/1/2021

With more states legalizing marijuana for all adults and pressing labor shortages in many industries, some employers hav...

EEOC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements After Sweeping Biden Order

By Michael Klazema | 10/31/2021

The EEOC has updated its guidance for employers requiring vaccinations for workers. The document covers how employers ca...

The Importance of Dates of Birth in Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 10/25/2021

In Michigan, lawmakers and courts continue to debate whether to include dates of birth on court records. Learn why the d...

Labor Shortages, Background Check Delays, and the Risk of Reduced Vigilance

By Michael Klazema | 10/20/2021

Labor shortages and background check bottlenecks have some employers wondering if they should lower their standards to f...

5 Sample Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 10/20/2021

background check report samples

Bifurcated Background Checks: Changes in the NYC Fair Chance Act

By Michael Klazema | 10/20/2021

Recent changes to the NYC Fair Chance Act changed the way that employers conduct non-criminal screening procedures. Lear...

Sanction Screening: What You Need to Know

By Michael Klazema | 10/18/2021

As important as they are, these checks are only one piece of the puzzle, particularly for organizations dealing with hig...

What Does Disposition Mean on a Background Check?

By Michael Klazema | 10/13/2021

Learning a few important terms will simplify the effort of analyzing detailed background reports as you vet candidates f...

Ensuring the Information in Your Background Check Is Accurate

By Michael Klazema | 10/8/2021

What appears on your own background check? Learn how to find out for yourself. Avoid surprises and see what your backgro...

Avoiding Legal Exposure From Faulty FCRA Disclosures

By Michael Klazema | 10/4/2021

The FCRA requires employers to provide standalone disclosures about background checks to applicants. Learn how simple mi...

Staying on Top of Changes in "Ban the Box" Laws

By Michael Klazema | 10/1/2021

Local employment laws change frequently, introducing new potential hurdles for hiring managers. There's never a bad time...

What shows up on a criminal background check

By Michael Klazema | 10/1/2021

Most jobs require a background screening. Candidates do not always understand how background checks work or which types ...

Introduction to International Criminal Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 09/27/2021

While most employers are used to structuring their background check process around domestic candidate pools, an increasi...

State Failed to Run Background Checks Before Granting Professional Licenses

By Michael Klazema | 09/24/2021

Description: An audit of the state licensing body in Massachusetts recently found that the office did not conduct crimin...

Questions to Ask Youth Sports Organizations When Enrolling Your Kids

By Michael Klazema | 09/17/2021

Youth sports can be an enriching, rewarding activity for kids, but it can also be a dangerous one. Here are four questio...

Harvard Business School Report Calls into Question the Viability of Automated Hiring Technologies

By Michael Klazema | 09/9/2021

Automated hiring software was supposed to streamline the hiring process. According to a recent report from Harvard, it’s...

The Latest News with Background Checks and Dating Apps

By Michael Klazema | 08/30/2021

Match Group will soon begin beta testing for the background check feature of its popular Tinder app. That development co...

Video Resumes: The Way of the Future?

By Michael Klazema | 08/25/2021

Are video resumes the key to future recruitment and hiring? In the wake of a TikTok resume project, questions remain abo...

Recent Supreme Court FCRA Ruling Could Have Implications for Employee Background Screening

By Michael Klazema | 08/16/2021

A recent Supreme Court ruling on an FCRA class action lawsuit could have implications for employers. While the lawsuit c...

New York City Unveils New Ban the Box Concept: Two-Step Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 08/4/2021

Due to amendments to the New York City Fair Chance Act, employers in the city must now divide their employee background ...

Forensic Audit Brings New Clarity to Case Regarding Falsified Background Checks for Teachers

By Michael Klazema | 07/29/2021

A forensic audit of a charter school in New Orleans has seemingly identified the person behind the school’s falsified ba...

Michigan Could Redact Date-of-Birth from Some Records; What It Means for Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 07/20/2021

Michigan is considering a rule that would redact date-of-birth information from court records. If the amendment goes thr...

Will My Speeding Ticket Show Up on a Background Check?

By Michael Klazema | 07/12/2021

If you’ve recently been cited for breaking the speed limit, you may be wondering whether the infraction could have an im...

Vermont Mental Health Agency Must Repay Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare Payments Due to Background Check Lapse

By Michael Klazema | 07/9/2021

A mental health services agency in Vermont recently agreed to repay $170,000 in improperly billed Medicare, Medicaid, an...

Can I dispute a false-positive drug test?

By Michael Klazema | 07/2/2021

Have you failed a drug test that was required for your job? Do you believe that you fell victim to a false positive with...

Employment History

By Michael Klazema | 06/30/2021

If you are applying for a job, chances are that you will need to disclose at least some details about your employment hi...

Ban the Box: Summer 2021 Update

By Michael Klazema | 06/16/2021

We look at the latest updates in ban the box legislation, including a bill that could take ban the box nationwide, juris...

Can a Background Check Reveal Past Employers?

By Michael Klazema | 06/15/2021

It's a fact: job seekers often lie on their resumes. According to a 2017 survey conducted by executive search firm Offic...

Conducting a Reference Check

By Michael Klazema | 06/14/2021

Reference checks are a common step of the hiring strategy for most employers, usually slotted into the interview process...

Summer Camps Prepare to Return in 2021; What Parents Should Know

By Michael Klazema | 06/4/2021

Many summer camps are likely to return in 2021 following a year off due to COVID-19. Here’s what parents should know abo...

Tenant Background Checks Continue to Spark Controversy

By Michael Klazema | 06/4/2021

More legislators are pushing for significant restrictions to tenant background checks. We examine bills that could chang...

Contractor Background Check

By Michael Klazema | 06/2/2021

Employers that structure their hiring and background check policies around employment arrangements may wonder: are there...

Is There a Totally Free Background Check?

By Michael Klazema | 05/31/2021

Whether you need to hire someone for a job or you want to look back at your own history, you might wonder if there are a...

CDC and EEOC Guidance about Covid-19 Vaccinations

By Michael Klazema | 05/27/2021

The CDC recently issued guidance that individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear...

Why Background Checks for Volunteers Are Necessary

By Michael Klazema | 05/21/2021

Overlooking volunteer background checks can jeopardize your business just as much as skipping employee vetting. From vol...

North Carolina Moves to Require Fingerprint Background Checks for Teachers

By Michael Klazema | 05/17/2021

Legislators in North Carolina are seeking to make fingerprint background checks the standard vetting process for teacher...

The Latest Developments in the Tenant Background Check and Fair Housing Debate

By Michael Klazema | 05/15/2021

The debate over tenant background checks and fair housing matters continues, with recent developments in Philadelphia, G...

What Is Negligent Hiring? How Can Employers Avoid it?

By Michael Klazema | 05/1/2021

This negligence is when an employer is blamed or held liable for an injury caused by one of its employees to a third par...

Does Your School Need to Review Its Teacher Background Checks?

By Michael Klazema | 04/20/2021

Two recent news stories highlight the importance of regular reviews for teacher background check policies at educational...

Failed Background Check After Receiving a Job Offer - What's Next?

By Michael Klazema | 04/19/2021

Matching a person to a job is hard work, which is why it is a victory to find the perfect candidate and extend him or he...

New Marijuana Expungement Laws Take Effect in Two States

By Michael Klazema | 04/16/2021

New York and Michigan are the latest states to pass laws making expungement easier for individuals with misdemeanor mari...

EEOC Files Lawsuit Against New York School District for Alleged Equal Pay Violation

By Michael Klazema | 04/13/2021

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed an equal pay lawsuit against a New York school district, al...

Illinois Adds New Restrictions for Employers Using Criminal Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 04/7/2021

Illinois recently updated its Human Rights Act to include restrictions for the use of criminal background checks in hiri...

Background Screening Waived for Staff at Migrant Facilities

By Michael Klazema | 04/5/2021

The Biden administration has come under fire for waiving FBI background checks at emergency migrant facilities near the ...

How to Run a Proper Background Check on Your Nanny

By Michael Klazema | 04/5/2021

Deciding to hire a nanny is a significant decision for any parent. Hiring a nanny means handing off a portion of your ch...

What Does a Background Check Show? (2022 Update)

By Michael Klazema | 04/3/2021

What does a background check show? The answer is complex due to the broad number of factors that different records searc...

Background Checks to Protect Minors

By Michael Klazema | 03/22/2021

We help agencies comply with the background check requirements that help keep minors safe during adoption, foster care, ...

Background Screening for Dating Goes Mainstream: Tinder Adds Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/22/2021

Match Group, the company that owns Tinder and several other dating apps, recently announced that it would be rolling out...

Should COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Waive Background Screening Requirements for Healthcare Workers?

By Michael Klazema | 03/15/2021

As COVID-19 vaccines become more readily available, vaccination clinics and other mass vaccine sites face challenges in ...

Child Care, Foster Care, and Background Checks to Protect Minors

By Michael Klazema | 03/12/2021

Which background checks are required for adoption or foster care? We take a closer look at background screening for chil...

How much does a background check cost?

By Michael Klazema | 03/10/2021

Usually, when someone asks about this cost, they are referring to the cost of the most common type of pre-employment inv...

Background Checks for Home Caregivers

By Michael Klazema | 03/5/2021

Elder abuse is both prevalent and frequently overlooked. Thorough employee background screening of home care professiona...

FCRA Compliance Requirements for Employers Running Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 03/1/2021

If you plan to evaluate a candidate’s past as part of your pre-employment screening process, you need to be aware of the...

Here's What Employers Look for When They Run a Background Check

By Michael Klazema | 03/1/2021

When it comes to the pre-employment vetting processes, every employer will approach things differently, depending on the...

An Update on Clean Slate Legislation

By Michael Klazema | 02/26/2021

More states and jurisdictions are taking steps to increase the accessibility of expungement and criminal record sealing....

Fast-Tracking Volunteer Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 02/23/2021

Volunteer background checks are critical to every volunteer-driven effort and organization. At backgroundchecks.com, we ...

A Legal Update on Background Screening Laws in Philadelphia and Illinois

By Michael Klazema | 02/16/2021

Legislative changes in Philadelphia and Illinois will affect how employers in these jurisdictions use background checks ...

An Update on Fair Chance Housing Ordinances and Tenant Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 02/16/2021

Landlords in 2021 must navigate significant regulatory upheaval in tenant background checks and federal housing vouchers...

Boy Scouts: Why Background Checks Matter

By Michael Klazema | 02/13/2021

As Boy Scouts of America faces bankruptcy, dissolution, and sexual abuse allegations from 95,000 former members, the org...

Best Practices for Tenant Screening

By Michael Klazema | 02/12/2021

Tenant background screening is a fraught category of background checks due to ethical questions and new policies. Parts ...

Workplace Drug Testing: What You Need to Know

By Michael Klazema | 02/10/2021

Is your organization considering a drug screening protocol in the workplace? Here’s what you need to know about pre-empl...

New York City Expands Fair Chance Employment Ordinance

By Michael Klazema | 02/2/2021

A new amendment to New York City’s Fair Chance Act significantly expands ban the box legislation. The changes will affec...

The importance of identifying information in background checks.

By Michael Klazema | 01/29/2021

Name-based background checks are a vital tool for businesses hiring new employees, but they come with caveats. Learn abo...

Avoiding Data Bias When Hiring

By Michael Klazema | 01/28/2021

Using AI in hiring can help bring new efficiencies to the process. It can also bring “data bias,” in which an AI framewo...

Trends in Background Checks to Watch in 2021

By Michael Klazema | 01/15/2021

How will employee background checks change and evolve in 2021? Few people could have predicted the ways that hiring and ...