The bill authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to conduct national criminal history background checks for final applicants and employees in sensitive positions within the Department of Commerce. It allows the Secretary to request the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to perform these checks and use the results to assess the qualifications and fitness of candidates. A minimum standard is established, requiring that applicants for sensitive positions have no misdemeanor convictions related to theft, fraud, forgery, or any felony convictions. The bill defines "final applicant" and "sensitive position," specifying roles that involve significant financial management or access to confidential information.

Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 22-4714 to include provisions for the release of criminal history record information to the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of evaluating candidates for sensitive positions. It repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 22-4714 and specifies that the information obtained through these background checks will be confidential and not subject to the Kansas Open Records Act. The bill also includes a provision for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to charge a reasonable fee for conducting these checks and establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of the information. The act will take effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-7241, 22-4714
As Amended by Senate Committee: 75-7241, 22-4714