SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 51

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 22, 1996

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 51.

      This bill permits local housing authorities to require criminal history record background checks for prospective employees who would be employed for at least seven hours per week.

      The background checks would be conducted by the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division. Classes of offenses that would result in disqualification for employment include: homicide, assault, kidnapping, sexual offenses, robbery, and offenses against the family (which includes endangering the welfare of children).

      The Department of Community Affairs would act as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information obtained as a result of a background check. Applicants with criminal records would have the opportunity to demonstrate their rehabilitation and avoid disqualification. If disqualified, an applicant could petition the commissioner for a hearing on the accuracy of the criminal history record information.

      The bill includes a $95,000 appropriation to the department to cover the cost of the background checks.

      Housing authority employees often hold positions which place them in contact with tenants, their children and their property. This bill addresses the safety and security concerns of public housing residents.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996-1997 legislative session. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.