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Bill

HB 1454

TO AMEND THE LAWS CONCERNING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS FOR EMPLOYEES OF SERVICE PROVIDERS; TO ALLOW THIRD-PARTY EMPLOYEE EVALUATION SERVICES TO PERFORM CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS; AND TO INCLUDE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law now allows third-party evaluation services to conduct criminal background checks for service provider employees and independent contractors, expanding vetting requirements and processes.

Notification that HB1454 is now Act 674
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1454

Legislative bill overview

HB 1454 expands who can conduct criminal background checks for service provider employees in Arkansas, allowing third-party employee evaluation services to perform these checks and explicitly including independent contractors under background check requirements. The bill amends existing criminal history records check laws to modernize and broaden the scope of vetting procedures.

Why is this important

This change affects hiring practices across service industries by establishing clearer standards for background screening of both traditional employees and independent contractors. It recognizes the growing use of third-party screening services and gig economy workers, potentially improving consumer safety while creating new compliance requirements for service providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanding who can access criminal history records raises questions about data security, appropriate use, and protection of applicant information when records are handled by multiple third parties
  • Fairness of contractor inclusion: Independent contractors may face disproportionate barriers to work if background check requirements apply equally, particularly affecting gig workers and freelancers
  • Oversight gaps: Allowing multiple third-party services to conduct checks without clear standardization could create inconsistencies in what records are reviewed and how disqualifying offenses are determined

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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