This bill authorizes local units of government in Minnesota, specifically counties and cities, to conduct criminal background checks for individuals applying for employment or licensure in certain positions. The bill introduces new definitions, including "applicant for employment," which refers to individuals seeking jobs that involve access to residential or business properties, and "applicant for licensure," which pertains to those seeking licenses to operate cabarets or massage services.
The legislation outlines the process for conducting these background checks, requiring applicants to provide a signed consent form, fingerprints, and necessary fees. The county or city will submit this information to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which will perform both state and national criminal history checks. The results will help determine if the applicant is disqualified from employment or licensure, and failure to cooperate with the background check process can lead to application denial.