It’s common practice to run background checks on potential hires to make sure they’re a good fit for open positions. While most employers begin their background checks at the county level, going beyond county lines is a crucial step for a more thorough investigation. You can find out information about applicants not just in your county but also in your region and state as a whole by conducting a responsible background lookup at the state level. Let’s take a look at what a New Hampshire background check involves.
Only three states, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Delaware, have fewer counties than the ten that make up the entire state of New Hampshire, which is significantly fewer than the majority of states in the nation. However, expanding the scope of a background check is simpler with a statewide search than ten separate county searches.
New Hampshire Public Records
It is beneficial to comprehend New Hampshire’s state law and the procedure for making a request for public records.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives those who need access to records the right to do so.
Before requesting any documents, it is important to be aware of the state’s legal requirements because each state has its own procedures.
There are two distinct points to the New Hampshire Right to Know Law. First, it establishes a five-day deadline for government agencies to respond to requests.
Since processing fees are prohibited in New Hampshire, accessing public records there may be less expensive than in other parts of the nation.
“Any information generated, recognized, or attained by, or on behalf of, any public body” is defined by the law as a document.
If the agency does not respond within the five-day window or provide the requested paperwork, requesters are forced to file a court action because the state lacks an official appeals process.
It’s unclear from the law whether “citizens” refers to New Hampshire residents or citizens of the United States.
Federal Laws on Employment Background Checks
Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal law known as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. The consumer information that consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) collect, maintain, and report and that employers use for background checks is protected by this law.
An employer must give written notice to the applicant before conducting a pre-employment background check. Prior to conducting the background checks, employers must also obtain written, signed consent from their applicants.
Before deciding definitively not to hire the applicant based on information revealed in a background check report, the employer must go through the adverse action process if a background check report contains negative information.
At iprospectcheck, business2.backgroundchecks, backgroundchecks, they always conduct background checks that are FCRA-compliant and can assist you in understanding your needs during the hiring process.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission upholds Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (EEOC). This historic law forbids discrimination against job applicants and employees based on their protected characteristics.
When a background check for employment reveals information about a criminal history, Title VII is applicable. According to EEOC guidelines, employers should evaluate each individual criminal record found on background check reports in light of how closely it relates to the responsibilities of the positions they are hiring for.
New Hampshire State Laws on Employment Background Checks
Employers in New Hampshire must also abide by state regulations governing employment background checks.
Here they are:
- Use of an Old Criminal Record
- Conviction for a Crime That Wasn’t Annulled
- Ban the Box Law for Public Employers in New Hampshire
What Information Appear on a New Hampshire Background Check for Employment?
Depending on the reports you request, a background check for employment in New Hampshire may reveal certain information. In New Hampshire, the majority of employers request details about a candidate’s criminal history, prior employment, educational background, and credentials.
Candidate driving histories will likely be examined for positions requiring driving. Pre-employment drug testing is something that many employers also demand of potential employees.
Before hiring, a background check could include the following information:
- Non-annulled convictions for felonies and misdemeanors
- Unresolved criminal cases
- convictions from the last seven years’ worth of arrests
- employment background
- Location history
- knowledge of history
- the sex offender registry’s listing
- being listed as a domestic terrorist threat
Let’s examine what might be shown on some of these various reports.
Criminal History
If someone has non-annulled convictions, a criminal background check for employment will reveal the following types of information:
- violation date
- Type of offense
- Infraction gravity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Disposition
- Date of disposition
- Sentence
According to New Hampshire law, convictions that are more than seven years old may not be disclosed for jobs paying less than $20,000 but may be disclosed for jobs paying more. Arrests and annulled convictions are not reportable.
Education Verification
Many employers request education verification reports because they enable them to verify the level of education that applicants claim they have attained.
An education verification report includes the following details:
- the names and locations of each school that was attended
- the dates that each institution was attended
- conferred degrees, diplomas, or certificates
Employment Verification
Reports on employment verification assist employers in checking the accuracy of the information provided by applicants regarding their prior employment and confirming that they are sincere and qualified.
The following details will be revealed by this kind of report:
- Name and address of each previous employer
- employment dates with each previous employer
- positions/titles held at each previous organization
These are some of the details a New Hampshire background check entails. Keeping them in mind will help you have a smooth and trouble free background lookup process in the state.