SB 2416 Summary

• Revises background screening requirements across Florida to require level 2 screening (fingerprinting and federal criminal history checks) for most positions working with vulnerable persons, replacing previous patchwork of level 1 and level 2 standards

• Expands disqualifying offenses for employment to include additional crimes such as burglary, voyeurism, video voyeurism, assault/battery/culpable negligence (felonies), unlawful sexual activity with minors, luring/enticing children, and escape

• Requires electronic submission of fingerprints to Department of Law Enforcement effective July 1, 2012, and establishes 5-year rescreening intervals for certain positions in health care and other licensed facilities

• Creates fingerprint retention programs allowing agencies to request Department of Law Enforcement retain fingerprints and conduct ongoing arrest searches, with annual fees borne by agencies or persons screened

• Applies prospectively to new hires and license applicants after July 1, 2010; existing employees not required to be rescreened until otherwise required by law, at which time new standards apply