MN HF828

Establishes fingerprint-based background checks for criminal justice and noncriminal justice agencies before they can access the secure criminal justice data communications network, including compliance with security requirements and FBI policy standards.

Modifies criminal justice agency definition to include federal government agencies and allows secure connections with federal, state, and international criminal justice information systems for authorized purposes.

Creates new section 299C.72 authorizing county sheriffs and city police to conduct criminal history checks on employment and licensure applicants with informed consent, limited to retrieval of adult convictions and arrests less than one year old.

Replaces destruction requirement with voluntary return for arrested persons' identification records when charges are dismissed or not filed, provided no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions within ten years.

Requires fire departments to conduct Minnesota criminal history checks on all employment applicants and national checks for those who lived in Minnesota less than five years, with procedures for obtaining records through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Expands background check procedures for explosives licenses and alcoholic beverage licenses to include fingerprint submission to FBI and civil commitment records review through the Department of Human Services.