Background Check Resources for Employers

Background Check Company Faces Lawsuit for FCRA Violation

A Georgia background check company is currently facing a lawsuit for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The case against Facts on Demand has brought considerable attention to the critical importance of FCRA compliance in the hiring process.

Governor’s Pardon on Cannabis Convictions in Maryland: Background Check Changes

Governor Wes Moore’s mass pardon of 175,000 cannabis convictions in Maryland aims to address the social and economic injustice caused by these criminal records.

Teacher Background Check Continuous Monitoring Concerns

Ensuring student safety is paramount in educational institutions, including conducting comprehensive teacher background checks. These checks are designed to uncover any previous criminal activity or misconduct that may put children at risk. However, recent incidents of sexual abuse in schools have raised concerns about the efficiency of current screening procedures.

Using Electronic Signatures With the Form I-9

Every US business must use the Form I-9 to verify an individual’s employment eligibility. Traditionally, this is a process based entirely on paper documents. The USCIS, the body overseeing the I-9 process, even allows large volumes of paper I-9s to be stored in high-capacity formats such as microfiche. Today, electronic storage of digital copies of the I-9 is also permissible. Often, these are scanned versions of an I-9 completed by hand and in person. However, that’s no longer the only option.

Protecting Personal Information With Best Practices in Background Checks

When a business conducts background checks, it does so to protect itself and others from potentially unsafe employees. Vetting also verifies identity and confirms the appropriate credentials. However, every business faces outside threats; the target is your computer system data. This information usually includes applicants’ and employees’ personal information. Best practices must guide your approach to protecting this information.

Background Checks for Construction Workers in Schools

New Jersey has proposed amendments to its background check laws regarding school construction workers. Thorough contractor background checks are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of educational environments. This article provides a comprehensive guide for contracting companies to understand and comply with these new regulations.

Improving Safety With Continuous Background Screening in Transportation

In the United States, transportation industries face strict regulation from the federal government, and individual states may impose additional rules. Most often, these rules center around ensuring that carriers of cargo and people only hire safe drivers to avoid the considerable risk to life and property. When heavy loads and high speeds are at play, even one lapse in judgment could lead to a fatal tragedy. That’s why background checks are a cornerstone of the hiring process. Should carriers go further and embrace continuous background screening for transportation workers?

Stolen Background Check Data: What Employers Need to Do Now

Background checks are a crucial part of the hiring process, allowing employers to evaluate applicants’ suitability. Recent news about the cybercriminal organization USDoD selling personal information on the dark web has raised serious concerns about the security of background check data. This incident highlights the importance of strong cyber security measures to safeguard sensitive information during online background checks.

A Guide to the States that Ban Credit Checks for Employment

When hiring, vetting and due diligence procedures often focus on elements such as criminal background information. However, an employer frequently needs to go beyond criminal histories to learn more about an individual’s suitability. Reference checks and employment or education verification fall into this category. So, too, do credit checks. For positions involving financial responsibility, an employer may wish to know that someone is fiscally responsible in their personal life. However, several states ban credit checks for employment purposes.

The Most Important Things to Know About the DOT Background Check

The federal government creates labor regulations to foster safer environments and protect workers. States do this, too. However, federal rules may apply to specific workers nationwide, as with commercial vehicle drivers. The Department of Transportation closely regulates the operators of such vehicles to protect the public. When your business needs to hire drivers in specific categories, you may be subject to a Department of Transport (DOT) background check requirements.

Storing and Organizing Your Form I-9 Documentation

Maintaining compliance requirements in business is often all about effectively managing paperwork. During hiring, that usually means making required FCRA disclosures and sharing other statements of rights. After hiring, employers must complete an employee’s I-9 documentation within three days of commencing employment. You don't mail these forms anywhere or submit them to any government agency. Instead, you must retain them on your premises.

Introducing ClearChecks Self-Check: Empowering Job Seekers

Background Check on a City Award Recipient Controversy

The controversy surrounding background checks on city award recipients has ignited a public debate. Specifically, Mayor Stefan Roots’ decision to conduct background screening on such a recipient in Chester City brought significant attention to the issue. Personal privacy is a serious concern when conducting employment background checks.

Virginia School District Considers Mandatory Drug Screening

A recent incident at Spotswood Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, has sparked a conversation about drug screening policies in educational institutions. A teacher was found to be under the influence during school hours, raising concerns about student safety and the overall learning environment.

North Carolina expungement on hold: What does this mean for business?

North Carolina has temporarily suspended expungement processing due to legislative developments surrounding the Clean Slate law. This law aims to provide automatic expungement for nonviolent criminal records, streamlining the process and reducing barriers for individuals seeking employment.

Colorado’s New Clean Slate Act

The Colorado Clean Slate Act will significantly change how employers handle background check records. Starting on July 1st, this law aims to change how the state handles and accesses criminal records completely.

Do Remote Workers Need a Form I-9?

The number of people performing remote work has increased dramatically in recent years. Initially spurred on by the Covid-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid work quickly became part of the new norm. Despite return-to-office initiatives, many are reluctant to give up remote positions. Some companies have embraced this new paradigm and continue routinely hiring fully or partially remote positions. Does a business need to complete a Form I-9 for these employees?

Barriers to Healthcare Background Checks in Pennsylvania

Healthcare background checks are crucial in the nursing profession and medical institutions. However, they can be problematic for nurses licensed in Pennsylvania who want to work in other states. This article discusses the specific challenges they face and suggests possible solutions.

What to Expect from Vendor Background Checks at Home Depot

Home Depot is a recognized business across the United States, with nearly half a million employees nationwide. Home Depot is a fixture in many cities and towns and has been a primary provider of home hardware products for decades. The company is also a sizable supplier for many local contractors and construction crews who rely on the one-stop shop nature of the store. Home Depot forges relationships with third-party vendors, suppliers, and service providers to successfully pursue its mission. For those hoping to build a partnership, it’s necessary to understand what the company requires for vendor background checks.

Medical Marijuana in the Workplace: Drug Tests and Laws

Medical marijuana is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits, particularly mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety. This article delves into the complex issue of medical marijuana in the workplace. We focus on navigating drug tests and laws while considering the needs of employees with mental health conditions. As more states legalize medical cannabis, understanding the balance between employee rights and workplace policies becomes crucial.