Tag: House Bill 107-FN

Bill Expanding Employment Restrictions and Background Checks for Sex Offenders Returns to New Hampshire House of Representatives January 26, 2023 A bill aiming to create additional restrictions on employment for sex offenders has returned to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for the third time. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee recently held a hearing for House Bill 107-FN (HB 107-FN). It would require certain employers to perform criminal background checks on applicants for certain positions. In addition, it would restrict employment for sex offenders. HB 107-FN's prime sponsor, Kevin Verville, has brought it back for the third attempt. It passed the house with amendments in 2020 and 2022 but failed in the State Senate on both occasions. Should this bill pass, it would prohibit registered sex offenders from working or volunteering in positions where they would supervise, oversee, or provide direct services to a minor. According to Verville, the bill would protect minors from the risks of registered sex offenders in the workplace and other locations. In addition, it would prevent sex offenders from finding themselves in a situation where they may face the temptation to harm a minor. To that end, the bill would bar offenders from any position in which they would exercise authority over children. HB 107-FN would also require all organizations that provide minors with direct services or any oversight to perform criminal background checks on all potential employees and volunteers. Specifically, "A public or private employer or organization, whose primary intent is to provide direct services to minors, or whose employees provide supervision or oversight of minors, shall conduct a criminal background check of any prospective employee or volunteer." In its hearing, House members had several questions regarding the bill. For example, they questioned why further legislation regarding sex offender employment appeared necessary. According to these members, the current law already banned positions requiring "the care, instruction or guidance of minor children, including, but not limited to, service as a teacher, a coach, or worker of any type in child athletics, a daycare worker, a boy or girl scout master or leader or worker, a summer camp counselor or worker of any type, a guidance counselor, or a school administrator of any type]." However, the bill's sponsor indicated that it would expand those protections beyond the current industries that bar registered sex offenders in all capacities. Furthermore, the bill aims not to increase the difficulty for sex offenders to find employment. Instead, it would prevent them from entering positions where they may have unsupervised contact with children. Currently, HB 107-FN's future remains uncertain. Regardless, employers will find that running background checks prove necessary to protect employees and the public from potential risks. In addition, an accurate and comprehensive background check can provide employers with all the information they need to make an educated employment decision. Looking to easily verify your employment qualifications? Talk to a sales representative today about switching to pre-employment background checks. Source

Tag: House Bill 107-FN

Bill Expanding Employment Restrictions and Background Checks for Sex Offenders Returns to New Hampshire House of Representatives

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