NJ S737

Requires community agencies under contract with or licensed by the Department of Human Services to conduct motor vehicle history checks in addition to existing criminal background checks for employees, agency heads, and community care residence applicants

Adds disqualifying motor vehicle offenses committed within the previous 10 years: operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless or careless driving, or license suspension due to accumulated penalty points or multiple offenses

Motor vehicle history checks must be obtained from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and any out-of-state counterparts, alongside existing federal and state criminal record databases

Background checks (both criminal and motor vehicle) must be conducted at least every two years for community agency heads, employees, and community care residence applicants, alternates, and household members

Individuals may avoid disqualification by demonstrating clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation to the Department of Human Services, with factors including nature of the offense, date of offense, age when committed, and evidence of rehabilitation