Blog & News | backgroundchecks.com

Two CA Companies Fined for Fair Credit Reporting Act Violations

By Michael Klazema | 09/27/2023

Two California companies face millions in FTC fines for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. See what it means to ch...

Exploring Background Screening for Lawyers

By Michael Klazema | 09/25/2023

What does background screening for lawyers involve? The process can start right after law school. Explore what employers...

Preventing Fraud During a Criminal Background Check for Schools

By Michael Klazema | 09/14/2023

A daycare provider was arrested for falsifying background records. How can administrators ensure an effective criminal b...

New Regulations on Background Checks in the Government Begin

By Michael Klazema | 09/14/2023

When can background checks for government work take place? Newly finalized regulations answer that question, and agencie...

How False Accusations Could Complicate Foster Care Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 09/10/2023

Foster care checks are vital for ensuring that families treat children in their care well, but false accusations could d...

California’s Fair Chance Law Could Apply Directly to Employee Background Check Providers

By Michael Klazema | 09/3/2023

California employers must wait to do an employee background check until they provide a conditional offer, but what quali...

Lawsuit Alleges DoorDash Was Negligent With Its Criminal Background Check

By Michael Klazema | 08/28/2023

Are gig economy companies doing enough with their criminal background check procedures to protect users? A new lawsuit a...

Massachusetts Might Legalize Psilocybin - What Does It Mean for Drug Screening?

By Michael Klazema | 08/21/2023

Will employers in Massachusetts need to revisit their employee drug screening policies again? A new measure would legali...

New Mexico Falls Short on Cannabis Sector Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 08/15/2023

Cannabis sector background checks aim to ensure a safe, legal industry as states work to legalize the substance. See how...

Using a Background Check for Real Estate Rental? The Government Says "Put It In Writing"

By Michael Klazema | 08/15/2023

Are landlords communicating appropriately when they use a background check for real estate purposes? A new FTC reminder ...

Law Would Expand Healthcare Background Checks for Senior Care

By Michael Klazema | 08/10/2023

Are the healthcare background checks in today's senior care organizations thorough enough? Some legislators want to empo...

New Employee Drug Screening Rules for Michigan State Jobs

By Michael Klazema | 08/7/2023

In Michigan, those applying for state jobs will soon no longer need to submit to employee drug screening for cannabis. W...

Concerns Surround Child Care Background Check Funding

By Michael Klazema | 08/7/2023

Who should pay for a childcare background check? As new legislation in this area comes into force, non-profits and other...

Falling Short: Compliance With NCAA Rules on Criminal Background Checks for Schools and Their Athletes

By Michael Klazema | 08/7/2023

Should criminal background checks for schools extend to athletes? New NCAA rules say yes, but not every school has hurri...

Federal Government Works to Expand Background Checks in Tribal Areas

By Michael Klazema | 08/1/2023

For Native American tribes, disconnection from larger criminal background check systems has been an ongoing problem. New...

Missouri Enacts New Laws Impacting Cannabis Sector Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 07/24/2023

In Missouri, new cannabis sector background checks will come into force soon—but it could also expand banking access. Se...

New Construction Background Check Regulations Could Arrive Soon in Some States

By Michael Klazema | 07/18/2023

Should there be an expansion in how many people are subject to a construction background check? Contractors could soon f...

Could Future Background Checks for Schools Include Instant Visitor Screening?

By Michael Klazema | 07/18/2023

Are instant background checks for schools and their visitors the way of the future? See why some districts think visitor...

Employee Drug Screening Results Reach New Highs in Positive Test Numbers

By Michael Klazema | 07/14/2023

Employee drug screening results have begun to reflect the highest positive rates in decades. What's happening, and what ...

Uber Background Check Requirements Change for New Teen Rider Service

By Michael Klazema | 07/10/2023

There are new Uber background check requirements for some riders. Why? Uber has plans to introduce special accounts made...

Background Checks for Employers in Michigan Could Soon Take Longer

By Michael Klazema | 07/10/2023

Background checks in Michigan have been on hold in many counties for weeks, sometimes months. What's happening, and what...

The Background Check Industry Continues to Grow and Adapt

By Michael Klazema | 07/6/2023

What does the future of the background check industry look like? If recent trends are an indication, employers can look ...

Congressional Legislators Hope to Restrict the Background Checks Landlords Use

By Michael Klazema | 07/6/2023

Could backgrounds for landlords go away in the future? Learn about a law proposed in Congress that would change the way ...

Best Practice for Verifying Salary Data and Paying Equity Compliance

By Michael Klazema | 07/6/2023

When you’re conducting an employee background check, is there a simple way to verify salary information? Learn about thi...

How Should the Results of Criminal Background Checks Affect Hiring Decisions?

By Michael Klazema | 06/28/2023

Criminal background checks can help keep your business safe, but how can you use them fairly? Start by understanding the...

The Latest Insights on Background Screening and Compliance

By Michael Klazema | 06/25/2023

The legal landscape surrounding background screening, job postings, and hiring in general continues to change. See the l...

Navigating the Conundrum Surrounding Today's Tenant Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 06/22/2023

Landlords face increasing pressure to restrict the use of tenant background checks. Are these tools still worth using? W...

Understanding the Need for and Benefits of the Volunteer Background Check

By Michael Klazema | 06/16/2023

Should non-profits and other organizations use a volunteer background check? Explore why this step is important and see ...

Why Background Screening Services Still Matter for Remote Employees

By Michael Klazema | 06/13/2023

In a world where remote work is now established, what role should background screening services play? See why proper vet...

Texas Moves to Create New Background Check Compliance Requirements in Childcare

By Michael Klazema | 06/12/2023

Will Texas be the latest state to change how childcare agencies achieve background check compliance? A bill would create...

The Background Screening Industry is Growing. What Does It Mean?

By Michael Klazema | 06/12/2023

Even with the rise of ban the box and Fair Chance laws, background screening services continue to grow. How does the fut...

Drug Screening Compliance Update: Alaska May Hide Old Minor Marijuana Crimes from View

By Michael Klazema | 06/12/2023

Could employers in Alaska need to rely solely on drug screening to screen for cannabis concerns in hiring? A new record-...

Indiana PDs May Need to Screen Reserve Officers for Background Check Compliance

By Michael Klazema | 06/11/2023

New background check compliance requirements could come to Indiana police departments soon. Learn about a gap in vetting...

The Value & Importance of a Comprehensive Criminal Background Check for Daycare Providers

By Michael Klazema | 06/11/2023

What can go wrong if your facility skips a criminal background check for daycare workers? The consequences could be pote...

Background Checks for Employers Must Reach Every Level

By Michael Klazema | 06/11/2023

Do background checks for employers go far enough? See why it's important to remember that even executives need thorough ...

Congress Eyes Improvements for Background Checks in Senior Care

By Michael Klazema | 06/5/2023

Are senior care facilities doing enough to protect residents? A bipartisan group of legislators think it's time to provi...

Schools Need Comprehensive and Unbiased Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 06/5/2023

How vital are background checks for schools? A lawsuit against a Michigan private school reveals what can happen without...

Ban the Box Update: States and Cities Continue Making Changes

By Michael Klazema | 05/29/2023

As 2023 continues, more locales have begun to consider new ban the box rules. Others have already made changes coming in...

AI Update: Things to Know About AI and Tenant Screening

By Michael Klazema | 05/29/2023

Will AI and tenant screening be the next major battleground for legislation? In some places, it already is. Find out mor...

California Cannabis Farmers Continue to Face Headwinds

By Michael Klazema | 05/22/2023

Even years after Californians legalized the farming of cannabis, some counties continue to stonewall license applicants ...

CA Background Check Compliance and Regulation Grows More Complex

By Michael Klazema | 05/16/2023

California businesses must pay close attention to background check compliance and regulation this year as a new Fair Cha...

Hospitals Can't Afford to Cut Corners With Healthcare Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 05/10/2023

Are medical organizations going far enough with their healthcare background checks? See why diligence matters even durin...

FCRA Compliance Update: A New Summary of Rights Has Been Released

By Michael Klazema | 05/3/2023

Is your business prepared to respond to changes in FCRA compliance requirements? Learn about the new statement of rights...

Government Agencies Seek Public Comment on Housing Fairness

By Michael Klazema | 04/25/2023

Is the rental process unfairly excluding too many tenants? Two US government agencies want perspective on the issue and ...

Background Check Compliance After Automatic Expungement

By Michael Klazema | 04/21/2023

Will Michigan businesses need to adjust their efforts for background check compliance? See what a new expungement proces...

Indiana Bill Could Enforce New Restrictions Based on School Employee Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 04/21/2023

A significant change could be coming to school employee background checks in Indiana. A newly passed bill would expand t...

Why Bus Contractors Must Use Comprehensive Driver Background Checks

By Michael Klazema | 04/17/2023

School districts nationwide continue to face bus driver shortages, and recruitment is difficult, but driver background c...

Will Background Checks in California Stop?

By Michael Klazema | 04/12/2023

Is California about to create a background check compliance headache for employers? A new bill could ban almost all empl...

The Importance of Extending the Criminal Background Check for Schools

By Michael Klazema | 04/6/2023

A criminal background check for schools must go beyond hiring. For enhanced safety and oversight today, ongoing monitori...

Will the Proposed Renter's Bill of Rights Impact the Background Check in Real Estate?

By Michael Klazema | 03/31/2023

Will the government restrict the way landlords use a background check for real estate rentals? A new administration blue...

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...