CONSUMER REPORTING

FCRA Requirements
As you’re well aware, when an employer uses a third party (like A-Check) to conduct background checks, there are FCRA compliance requirements that must be followed. For your convenience, here’s a very quick checklist of key requirements:

• Ensure there is a permissible purpose for performing a background check on an applicant/employee, based on their role and responsibilities.
• Provide clear written notice in a stand-alone document to the applicant/employee that a background check will be conducted, and the resulting information will be used to make an employment decision.
• Obtain the applicant/employee’s written consent to perform a background check and/or investigative report.
• If the background check information results in an adverse action decision, a notice of pre-adverse action, along with a copy of the background check results and a copy of the Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, must be presented to the individual.
• Allow the individual at least five business days to dispute the information in the background check
• Upon a final decision, and if adverse action is taken, provide the individual with a final notice of adverse action.

We’re focused on helping you remain compliant, and always welcome your questions.

I-9 AND E-VERIFY

Ongoing Extension: Form I-9 Requirements in response to COVID-19
The in-person requirement for the Form I-9 is temporarily suspended if your company is taking precautions due to COVID-19. The general rule is that an employer must undertake a physical inspection of the document(s) presented by the employee for section 2 purposes.

UPDATE: Because of ongoing COVID-19 precautions, remote I-9 document review has been extended; the expiration date for these accommodations is now August 31, 2021.

The government has suspended the in-person and physical inspection of the document(s) presented by the employee when completing the Form I-9. During this time, an employer can view the document(s) presented by the employee via Zoom or Skype, for example.
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CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORTING

Louisiana
Effective August 1, 2021, Act No. 406 impacts employers conducting background screening prior to a job offer by prohibiting the request or consideration of an arrest record or charge that did not result in a conviction when a background check reveals that information. This legislation also requires employers to individually assess a candidate’s criminal history and determine if the outcome is directly or adversely related to specific duties of potential employment.
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Criminal Record Screening Policy Review
Now more than ever before, it’s important for employers to review their criminal record screening policies. It’s a balance between compliance with evolving laws, and risk mitigation in hiring practices. Class action plaintiffs’ attorneys have had some high-profile success negotiating settlements, and Ban the Box legislation continues momentum in a growing number of states. Now, when it comes to litigation against background screening efforts, courts can hold that employers are required to prove their criminal record screening policies are not just appropriate as a business necessity, but also prove that these policies accurately distinguish between applicants that do and do not pose an unacceptable level of risk. While we are here to answer any questions you may have, we also strongly recommend you have legal counsel available to guide your screening program decisions.
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New York City
Effective July 29, 2021, New York City’s Fair Chance Act expands the scope of protection for applicants and employees with criminal histories. The FCA prohibits employers from denying employment based on an arrest or criminal accusation by expanding protection to prohibit any inquiry in writing or otherwise about a candidate’s arrest or criminal accusation. These amendments also offer additional candidate protection by expanding the list of information that employers are prohibited from considering, adding additional processes employers must take when presented with certain criminal information, and further clarifying other employer obligations under the Fair Chance Process. Here’s a great read on these amendments.
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE TESTING

Connecticut
The Connecticut Governor signed Senate Bill 1201—effective in 2022—making CT the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years and older, but will allow employers to continue implementing drug-free employment policies.  This new law will require expungement of certain existing marijuana convictions, but also creates employment protections for recreational marijuana users. That said, employers are permitted to continue prohibiting employees from engaging in the recreational use of marijuana, subject to certain statutory requirements.
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AS A REMINDER: At A-Check, we’re happy to help implement a drug screening program that meets your evolving needs—or make adjustments to the program you’re already running with us.

DATA PRIVACY

Colorado
Colorado is the second state this year to pass a law making it easier for consumers to protect personal data online. Colorado’s Privacy Act follows Virginia’s Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Among other things, Colorado’s legislation gives consumers the right to opt-out of targeted advertising and the sale of personal data. It also gives consumers the right to access, correct, and delete personal data collected, provides the right to obtain a copy of personal data in a portable format. Additionally, Colorado’s Act requires that consumers have the ability to opt-out via a universal channel that meets established technical specifications.
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Questions? We’re here to help!