Criminal Record Checks (H 7754)

The ACLU testified against a bill greatly expanding the scope of criminal record checks performed on Department of Children, Youth and Families employees and volunteers.

The ACLU testified against a bill greatly expanding the scope of criminal record checks performed on Department of Children, Youth and Families employees and volunteers. Under the DCYF legislation, job applicants would undergo fingerprinting and a nationwide criminal check, which they would have to pay for. In addition, current employees’ past criminal records would be randomly checked and could lead to discipline and termination, no matter how long ago or how irrelevant the record. Further, unlike similar laws on the books which allow the employer only to learn if a person’s record includes a “disqualifying” offense, this bill gives DCYF access to the entire criminal record, including arrests not followed by convictions. Read our testimony.