OLYMPIA – A background check is an important step in the employment process, but when results take days, weeks, or even months it can impede an employer’s ability to deliver services, especially when those services involve providing care for children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.
House bill 1385, sponsored by Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way) seeks to speed up the wait time by facilitating the interstate exchange of criminal history information as allowed by the National Child Protection Act (NCPA).
“We live in a digital age with information at our fingertips and we have the ability to share criminal history information between federal and state agencies in real time,” said Rep. Taylor. “Speeding up the background check process will help ensure volunteers and caregivers can apply for, accept, and start a job within a reasonable time period.”
The NCPA established a national criminal history background check system that an authorized state agency or qualified entity can use to access the FBI’s criminal records database. The infrastructure by which states can exchange criminal records was established through the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact. HB 1385 directs the Washington State Patrol to execute the Compact and designates WSP as the repository of criminal history records.
“Using available technology to increase protections for vulnerable populations, including our developmental disabilities community, is something we should absolutely do,” Rep. Taylor said. “Bad actors aren’t contained by state lines, and criminal history shouldn’t be either.”
The bill passed the House unanimously on Wednesday and now heads to the Senate for consideration.