New Legislation for Background Screeners

Beginning January 1, 2012, SB 909 will be in full affect. The bill signed by, then Governor -Arnold Schwarzenegger, effects how Consumer Reporting Agencies conduct business.

Beginning in 2012, Professional Background Screeners and Consumer Reporting Agencies in California must post their Privacy Policies on their website and must be able to provide a written copy upon request of the consumer. Also, the consumer must be provided with the contact information of the Consumer Reporting Agency, on a separate sheet that is part of the Privacy Policy.

One of the most important aspects of this new law is that the consumer must be notified if their personal identifying information is to be sent outside of the U.S. to 3rd Parties. This would include any type of International Search such as Employment Verifications, Education Verifications or any other instance in which their information may be seen outside of the confines of the Consumer Reporting Agency. Under this new law, the Consumer Reporting Agency, will be held liable for security incidents involving these circumstances.

Employers Investigative Services is dedicated to remaining compliant on both a state and federal level. E.I.S. has been compliant with most aspects of this bill, long before it was passed into law. Other aspects, such as the notification of 3rd party use, have been implemented since then.

It is important to always utilize a pre-employment screening firm that stays up to date with current “Best Practices” and compliance.

If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of background checks or drug testing, you can always call our staff at 866.350.5638 or email us at info@eischecks.com.