AZ SB1391

Authorizes private criminal background investigation companies to conduct state and federal criminal history records checks and issue criminal clearance cards, previously handled only by the Department of Public Safety's fingerprinting division.

Requires authorized companies to be Arizona-incorporated corporations or LLCs with principle offices in the state, majority shareholders who are Arizona-resident licensed private investigators, and employees who are all licensed private investigators.

Authorized companies must verify criminal clearance cards through their website and provide cardholder information including photograph, physical descriptors, issue and expiration dates, and must access court disposition records directly from courts.

Reduces fingerprint clearance card renewal period from six years to two years, effective January 1, 2012, while grandfathering cards issued before that date.

Prohibits authorized companies from storing criminal history information in foreign countries or sharing information with third parties, and requires immediate termination of clearance cards upon learning a cardholder has been indicted or convicted of disqualifying offenses.