SB176 Summary

• Authorizes state departments and agencies to conduct nationwide criminal history background checks on employees and contractors who have access to federal tax information, pursuant to Public Law 92-544.

• Requires job applicants and current employees/contractors with federal tax access to submit written statements about criminal convictions or pending charges, provide fingerprints, and undergo state and national criminal history records checks.

• Directs the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to process all background check requests, arrange fingerprinting, submit fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation when requested, and return results to requesting departments or agencies.

• Authorizes the Secretary of ALEA to charge fees to departments and agencies for conducting the criminal history records checks.

• Designates all criminal history reports as confidential and specifically excludes them from public disclosure requirements.

• Requires each department or agency to establish a policy identifying which criminal elements would result in denying or removing an employee's or contractor's access to federal tax information.