STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 51

 

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Senator O'CONNOR)

 

ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 5, 1996

 

      Senate Bill No. 51 permits local housing authorities to require criminal history background checks for prospective employees who would work for at least seven hours per week.

      These Senate amendments provide that the Division of State Police rather than the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) act as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information obtained as a result of a background check. The amendments also provide that an applicant for a position with a housing authority which is subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes who desires a hearing on the accuracy of the criminal history information may file an appeal with the Department of Personnel. As introduced, the bill permitted any applicant to peitition the DCA for a hearing. The amendments also provide for an appropriation of $95,000 to the Division of State Police to implement the bill's provisions. As introduced, the bill appropriated these funds to the DCA.