AN ACT to create and enact a new subdivision to subsection 2 of section 12-60-24 and a new section to chapter 37-17.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to criminal history record checks by the department of emergency services.
Summary
HB 1075 authorizes the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services to require a final applicant for employment to submit to statewide and nationwide criminal history record checks. The bill also adds the department to the list of entities covered by the state criminal history record check framework in section 12-60-24, ensuring that any nationwide check is conducted under the procedures already established in that section.
In practical terms, the bill gives the department a clearer statutory basis to screen final job candidates using both state and federal criminal history information. It applies to employment applicants under chapter 37-17.1 and is aimed at the hiring process for the Department of Emergency Services, rather than creating a broader public-safety or licensing rule for the general public.
Impact
The bill amends North Dakota Century Code sections in chapter 12-60 and chapter 37-17.1 to expressly permit criminal background checks for final employment applicants at the Department of Emergency Services. It expands the department’s hiring authority and ties nationwide checks to existing state procedures, affecting employment screening practices and the handling of criminal history records for this agency.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House 93-0 and the Senate 46-1, indicating strong bipartisan approval with only minimal opposition. The lack of committee transcript discussion also suggests the measure was viewed as a routine administrative or personnel-related update rather than a contentious policy change.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the available record. The only visible opposition was a single dissenting vote in the Senate, but no recorded discussion explains the objection. Based on the bill text, any concerns would likely relate to privacy, employment screening, or the scope of criminal background checks, but the legislative history provided does not show organized opposition or debate on those issues.