Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance public safety by allowing local governments in Minnesota, such as counties and cities, to perform criminal background checks on certain job and license applicants. This is intended to ensure that individuals in positions with access to residential or business properties, or those operating specific businesses, have undergone thorough vetting.

Main Provisions

• Authorization for Background Checks: The bill permits local governmental units to conduct criminal history background checks on individuals applying for specific jobs or licenses.
• Types of Applicants:
  • Applicants for Employment: Individuals seeking jobs that require access to residential or business properties within counties or cities.
  • Applicants for Licensure: Individuals seeking licenses to operate certain types of businesses, specifically cabarets and businesses providing massage services.
• Process for Background Checks:
  • The background investigation includes both a state and national criminal history check.
  • Applicants must submit signed consent forms, a full set of fingerprints, and necessary fees.
  • The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is responsible for conducting the Minnesota records check and may collaborate with the FBI for a national check.
  • Results are returned to the local government, which will decide if the applicant is disqualified based on the findings.
• Non-compliance: If an applicant does not cooperate with the background check process, their application can be denied.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Previously, local governments may not have had explicit authority to conduct such comprehensive background checks involving fingerprinting and national records. This bill clarifies and codifies the ability of local units to conduct these checks, aligning city and county processes with best practices for employment and licensure vetting for positions or activities with increased safety concerns.

Relevant Terms

criminal background check, public safety, local government, county, city, employment, licensure, cabaret, massage services, Minnesota, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Federal Bureau of Investigation, fingerprints, criminal records.