The bill amends existing laws regarding criminal history records checks for employees of service providers in Arkansas. It introduces provisions that allow third-party employee evaluation services to conduct these checks and expands the definition of "employee" to include independent contractors who provide care to clients of service providers. The bill also stipulates that service providers must inform applicants that employment or contractual engagement is contingent upon satisfactory results from criminal history checks. Additionally, it allows for conditional employment pending the results of these checks and mandates periodic checks for continued employment.

Key amendments include the requirement for service providers to maintain documentation of criminal history checks and the confidentiality of reports obtained under this subchapter, which are restricted to specific agencies and not subject to public disclosure. The bill also clarifies the conditions under which individuals may be disqualified from employment based on their criminal history, including provisions for waivers in certain circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and integrity of service providers by ensuring thorough background checks while also providing flexibility in employment practices.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1454 Original - 2-11-2025 02:18 PM: 20-38-101, 20-78-202, 20-78-209, 20-10-801, 20-7-117, 20-10-702, 20-10-1202, 20-38-103(a), 20-38-103(b), 20-38-103(c), 20-38-103(d), 20-38-105(a), 20-38-105(d), 20-38-105(e), 20-38-106, 20-38-110, 25-19-101, 20-38-112(e)
Old version HB1454 V2 - 4-3-2025 04:29 PM: 20-38-101, 04-03-2025, 20-78-202, 20-78-209, 20-10-801, 20-7-117, 20-10-702, 20-10-1202, 20-38-103(a), 20-38-103(b), 20-38-103(c), 20-38-103(d), 20-38-105(a), 20-38-105(d), 20-38-105(e), 20-38-106, 20-38-110, 25-19-101, 20-38-112(e)
HB 1454: 20-38-101, 20-78-202, 20-78-209, 20-10-801, 20-7-117, 20-10-702, 20-10-1202, 20-38-103(a), 20-38-103(b), 20-38-103(c), 20-38-103(d), 20-38-105(a), 20-38-105(d), 20-38-105(e), 20-38-106, 20-38-110, 25-19-101, 20-38-112(e)
Act 674: 20-38-101, 04-03-2025, 20-78-202, 20-78-209, 20-10-801, 20-7-117, 20-10-702, 20-10-1202, 20-38-103(a), 20-38-103(b), 20-38-103(c), 20-38-103(d), 20-38-105(a), 20-38-105(d), 20-38-105(e), 20-38-106, 20-38-110, 25-19-101, 20-38-112(e)