California’s new risk assessment requirement under the CCPA, effective in 2026, mandates that businesses evaluate high-risk data processing before implementation. Covered activities include selling data, processing sensitive information, and using automated…
Posts by Category: Background Check Laws
California Employers Beware – Mere Technical Violation Sufficient for Lawsuits
California employers can face lawsuits for even minor or “technical” violations of background check laws, especially under statutes like the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA) and related consumer reporting rules. Recent court decisions show that…
Federal Judge Dismisses Background Screeners’ Challenge to Colorado Law
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit a challenging Colorado law that restricts what information can appear in background checks, including limits on reporting older convictions and non-convictions. The plaintiffs argued the rules conflicted with the federal Fair Credit…
Consumer Justice Law Firm Wins $680,000 Jury Verdict for Uber Driver Harmed by Samba Safety Background Check Errors
A federal jury awarded $680,000 to Alaska-based Uber driver Tamia Cornelius after finding that background-check company SambaSafety provided inaccurate information that caused Uber to deactivate her account. The report falsely stated her driver’s license had been…
EEOC and FTC Offer Joint Tips on Use of Employment Background Checks
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have released joint guidance on employment background checks. The guidance includes separate resources for employers and job applicants, outlining rights and…
New California Laws 2026: Part 28 – Background Checks
California’s 2026 legislative session produced several new laws, including measures on background checks, laborstandards, and AI chatbots. Part 28 of the New California Laws 2026 series identifies chapters such as SB-160 onbackground checks and additional bills…
Idaho Background Check Fee Increases Take Effect in 2026
Idaho has raised several background check fees starting January 1, 2026, state law enforcement agencies warn. Thefee for statewide fingerprint-based criminal checks will jump from $20 to $25, while national checks for things likeconcealed-weapon licenses, employment…
Virginia State Police Launches New Background Check Program Across Virginia
The Virginia State Police have rolled out a federally mandated Federal Rap Back Program statewide, expandingbackground check capabilities beyond traditional one-time fingerprint checks. This new system continuously monitorsenrolled individuals’ criminal histories and…
Employers’ Guide to Criminal Background Checks in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employers must navigate strict rules when using criminal background checks, balancing workplace safety with fair hiring laws. State requirements limit how convictions may be considered, mandate compliance with the Clean Slate Law, local ban-the-box…
What’s Changing in 2026: New Rules for Criminal Background Checks
Starting in 2026, several U.S. jurisdictions are tightening criminal background check rules. Washington, Philadelphia, Virginia, and D.C. require post-offer inquiries, individualized assessments, and limit which convictions employers can consider. Automatic…





