Employers in California Must Comply with Fair Chance Act Updates

2023, Criminal Records

Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn (This blog was first published as “California Employers Using Background Checks Must Comply with Updates to Fair Chance Act” on the ClearStar website at www.clearstar.net/california-employers-using-background-checks-must-comply-with-updates-to-fair-chance-act/.) Originally enacted in 2018, the Fair Chance Act (FCA) is a California law that seeks to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with…

California Court Finds Third-Party Screening Firm Liable for Bias Under FEHA

2023, Screening

Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn On August 21, 2023, the seven-member California Supreme Court unanimously held that third-party businesses performing employment-related tasks for other companies such as screening job applicants can be found liable for discrimination because California state law defines the term “employer” to include an employer’s “agents.” The case claimed a…

Revised California Rules for Criminal Background Checks Start October 2023

2023, Criminal Records

Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn In July 2023, the State of California Office of Administrative Law approved the California Civil Rights Council’s proposed modifications to the regulations applicable to the use of the criminal history of job applicants by employers conducting criminal background checks. This regulatory action takes effect on October 1, 2023.…

Proposed Amendment to Constitution Includes Universal Background Checks

2023, Government

Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn On June 8, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution “to enshrine fundamental and broadly supported gun safety measures into law” that would include “mandating universal background checks,” according to an announcement from the Office of the Governor. While leaving the…