July 2023

With its strong economy, diverse industrial environment, and scads of skilled workers in the state, Washington is a mecca for employers and volunteer recruiters alike.  If you’re a business owner or a volunteer administrator – you likely already know the benefits of doing business in a state that is consistently ranked one of the top places to live, play, and work. But what about hiring the right person for your organization?  We’re glad you asked because getting a background check in Washington State is your number one priority in determining the best employee or volunteer for your hiring purposes.  That said, we want you to be optimally prepared to staff your establishment with the best and brightest in your field while keeping in line with Washington background check laws.   

How PreSearch Can Help With Background Check Services in Washington State

PreSearch takes pride in being a premier provider of employee background check services in Washington State. Our advanced technology and dedicated team of experts allow us to deliver efficient and comprehensive background checks for employers seeking to bring trusted individuals on board.

An advantage of using PreSearch Services for background checks lies in our bespoke background checks and screening solutions tailored to various industries’ unique needs. Whether your operations span healthcare, finance, or education, PreSearch can meticulously tailor our services to align with your specific requirements.

Furthermore, the ever-changing landscape of rules and regulations surrounding each Washington background check can pose a daunting challenge for employers. Keeping pace with the latest laws can be overwhelming – that’s where PreSearch steps in to ease your burden. We stay abreast of all pertinent federal and Washington State laws, allowing you to focus on your business without fretting over compliance issues.

In partnering with PreSearch, you can expect exceptional care and unparalleled service. Our experts strive to simplify the process of obtaining a background check in Washington State, making it as straightforward and effortless as possible. Trust in our partnership to provide you with the reliable information required to make well-informed hiring decisions, all sourced from dependable channels.

What is a Background Check 

A background check is a process that involves looking up and compiling an individual’s records, including commercial, criminal, and financial records. Typically used in the context of employment, these checks help employers assess a candidate’s suitability for a job and ensure they pose no threat to the organization or its employees.

Importance of Washington State Background Checks

A WA state background check is an integral part of the hiring process and vital to maintaining workplace safety and integrity. These checks provide an unbiased review of a candidate’s past, helping to confirm the accuracy of their application and protect the company from potential risks such as fraud, theft, or harmful behavior. This process of getting background checks and screenings for trusted employees helps employers make informed decisions, fosters trust, and can significantly impact the overall quality of the workforce.

Washington Background Check Laws

The act of getting a background check in Washington is governed by both federal and state legislation. To ensure compliance and prevent legal disputes, employers must understand the nuances and requirements of each regulation.

Federal Laws on Employment Background Checks 

Indeed, it’s important to note that just as with state laws, employers in Washington State are also expected to observe and abide by federal laws when conducting background checks. Here are the key federal laws you should be aware of before initiating a Washington State background check. These laws must be adhered to in parallel with state-specific regulations.

Civil Rights Act, Title VII

Enacted in 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act establishes that it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. This law is relevant to background checks as it prohibits employers from using these factors in any area of employment, including hiring and firing. 

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA regulates how employers can use a candidate’s consumer reports, which can include credit reports and criminal records. Before obtaining these reports, employers must notify candidates in writing and receive their written consent. 

If an employer decides to deny employment based on the information in a consumer report (a decision known as an “adverse action”), they must follow a specific process. This involves providing the candidate with a pre-adverse action disclosure. This should include a copy of the consumer report and a synopsis of their rights under the FCRA. After a reasonable amount of time, the employer must provide a notice of adverse action, informing the candidate about their rights to see the information reported about them and to correct any inaccuracies.

Washington State Employment Background Check Laws

When executing background checks on potential employees, employers are mandated to conform to the distinct laws and regulations of the state. Therefore, every employer must acquaint themselves with the following pre-screening procedures, regulations, and laws in Washington state:

Vacating Certain Criminal Convictions

In Washington State, individuals have the opportunity to vacate or remove certain criminal convictions from their records. Employers cannot use a conviction as a factor in the employment decision process if a conviction is vacated. 

Salary History Questions Prohibited

Washington law prohibits employers from asking about an applicant’s previous wage or salary history. The intention behind this law is to break the cycle of wage inequality by preventing employers from basing salary offers on past wages rather than a candidate’s skills, qualifications, or responsibilities of the job.

Ban-the-Box Law

The Ban-the-Box law in Washington prevents employers from asking about criminal history until after they have assessed whether the applicant is otherwise qualified for the position. This allows candidates to be judged on their skills and abilities rather than past mistakes.

Seattle Fair Chance Employment Law

Under this law, employers can only consider criminal history if there is a legitimate business reason to do so.  Employers and hiring managers must conduct an individualized assessment of the candidate’s criminal record in relation to the job being filled.

Credit Reports for Employment

In Washington, employers may gather credit information for employment decisions if it is significantly related to the job or required by law. These FCRA laws are in place to protect candidates’ credit data and their identity and from being unfairly judged based on their financial history.

Failure to comply with these Washington State background check laws can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and lawsuits. Therefore, employers must understand these laws or enlist the help of a trusted service like PreSearch to ensure they remain compliant while obtaining the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions.

Types of Background Checks in Washington

Understanding the types of background checks in Washington is the first step toward achieving compliance and efficiency in your hiring process.

Criminal Background Checks

A criminal background check in Washington State will provide details about an individual’s criminal history. This can include information about convictions, incarcerations, and arrests.

Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks typically involve verifying a candidate’s work history, including employment dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. These checks can help employers validate a candidate’s experience and integrity.

How to Get a Background Check in Washington

If you need a criminal background check in Washington, you can send a request for a fingerprint-based or name-based search to the Washington State Patrol. 

For employers who are certified or licensed by the Department of Health and Social Services, you can also submit a request for pre-hire background checks directly to the Division of Health Care Services.

However, keep in mind that these state government-provided reports only cover criminal history within the state of Washington. They won’t provide information about any potential criminal activity that occurred in other states or internationally. Moreover, these reports don’t include critical hiring information, such as employment history or educational background.

The optimal way to obtain a background check in Washington is through a reliable provider like PreSearch. We offer the flexibility to choose the specific information you need, providing the most comprehensive and thorough information for your hiring decisions.

How Long Does a Washington Background Check Take

The duration of a background check in Washington can fluctuate according to the types of information you need. The best way to get quick and fast background checks is to use PreSearch. Our reports are comprehensive, covering everything you need, and we’re fast. We can usually get you the information within a day or two; sometimes, we can even give you results on the same day.

We understand that time is crucial when you’re trying to hire the right people. Doing background checks by yourself can take up a lot of time and money. First, getting state and federal government criminal background checks can be slow. Second, your human resources team will need time to collect all the necessary information for each check. This process could take days or even weeks, slowing down your hiring process.

So, why not let PreSearch handle it for you? We can get you the information faster than if you were to do it all on your own. Trust us for all your background check needs in Washington State. We’ll save you time and help you make the best hiring decisions.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Washington State?

In Washington State, background checks usually go back seven years, following the FCRA guidelines. However, some types of background checks, such as those for positions with high security or trust, may delve further into an individual’s history.

What Shows Up on a Washington Background Check?

The type of information obtained from a background check depends on the specific requests you make. With PreSearch, you can choose to receive data on criminal history in Washington State, in addition to any criminal activity reported in other states or even internationally. Our services extend beyond just criminal records, encompassing other crucial areas such as sex offender registry status, driving record history, educational backgrounds, and much more.

A basic criminal background check in Washington State will reveal past convictions or pending charges, including felony and misdemeanor convictions. This information includes the severity of the charges, arrest dates, and the results of any sentencing.

Credit reports procured through a comprehensive background check provide valuable financial information. These reports can reveal any instances of bankruptcy, fraudulent charges, liens, collections, and other data that might be pertinent in a pre-hire background check. All these detailed insights can be instrumental in making an informed hiring decision.

How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Washington?

The cost of a background check in Washington can differ based on the type of check and the depth of information required.  On average, employers might expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $35.95 per check depending upon the type of information you request from the WA State Patrol. However, this information only gives you criminal histories. Your best value is to partner with PreSearch to get all the different levels of data you need for a solid hiring event.  For a precise cost assessment based on your specific needs, reach out to PreSearch directly.

In summary, understanding the background check process in Washington State can seem complex, but it is a vital part of hiring and maintaining a safe workplace. With a reliable service like PreSearch, you can simplify this process, ensuring you stay compliant with the law while obtaining the most accurate and relevant information.

Ranked among the top ten best business environments in New England by CNBC News, Maine is a prime place for startups, small business owners, and volunteer organizations alike.  Mainers know that the state is a mecca for advantageous business opportunities, including ample small business resources and a healthy workforce of capable, qualified individuals. But how do Mainers ensure they have the very best workers to sustain and grow their business or volunteer organizations?  That’s where PreSearch answers the call for superior and thorough Maine background checks. So, if you have the luxury of living, playing, and working in the great Pine Tree State, keep reading while we give you the rundown about the ins and outs of getting a background check in Maine for new hires and volunteers.

How PreSearch Can Help With Background Check Services in Maine

At PreSearch, we take pride in providing comprehensive employee background check services in Maine. We offer efficient and thorough background checks to help employers onboard trustworthy employees.

One of the key advantages of choosing PreSearch Services for background checks is our ability to tailor screening solutions to meet the unique requirements of different industries. Whether you operate in healthcare, finance, education, or any other sector, we can customize our services to align with your specific needs.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of Maine background check laws and regulations can be overwhelming for employers. That’s where PreSearch comes in. We stay current with all relevant federal and state laws, ensuring compliance and allowing you to focus on your business confidently.

When you partner with PreSearch, you can expect exceptional care and unparalleled service. Our goal is to simplify the background check process in Maine, making it as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. Trust our partnership to provide you with reliable information from trusted sources, enabling you to easily make informed hiring decisions.

What is a Background Check

A background check is a valuable tool that involves thorough research and gathering of an individual’s records, including commercial, criminal, and financial information. Typically utilized by employers during the hiring process, these checks play a vital role in assessing a candidate’s suitability for a job and safeguarding the organization and its employees.

Importance of Maine Background Checks

Maine background checks hold significant importance, extending beyond the hiring process alone. They are crucial for maintaining workplace safety and integrity and providing an unbiased assessment of a candidate’s past. Background checks and screenings for trusted employees verify the accuracy of applicants’ information, which helps protect companies from potential risks such as fraud, theft, or harmful behavior. Employers can make informed decisions, foster trust, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of their workforce through this essential process.

Maine Background Check Laws

In Maine, background check laws are governed by a combination of federal and state regulations. To maintain legal compliance and avoid disputes, employers must clearly understand the requirements and nuances associated with each law.

Federal Laws on Employment Background Checks

When conducting a State of Maine background check, employers are bound by state laws and federal regulations. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the key federal laws that apply to background checks in Maine. These federal laws must be observed alongside state-specific regulations to ensure full compliance throughout the hiring process.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA regulates how employers can use a candidate’s consumer reports, which can include credit reports and criminal records. Before obtaining these reports, employers must notify candidates in writing and receive their written consent.

If an employer opts not to award employment to a candidate based on the information in a consumer report (a decision known as an “adverse action”), they must follow a specific process. This involves providing the candidate with a pre-adverse action disclosure that includes documentation of the consumer report and a summary of their rights under the FCRA. After a reasonable amount of time, the employer must provide a notice of adverse action, informing the candidate about their rights to see the information reported about them and to correct any inaccuracies.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC enforces federal laws that expressly forbid employment discrimination based on factors such as religion, race, color, sex, disability, national origin, or age. These laws apply to background checks and require employers to use them in a non-discriminatory manner.

Maine State Employment Background Check Laws

In Maine, background check laws aim to strike a balance between the interests of employers, who require pertinent information to make informed hiring decisions, and individuals, who have a right to privacy and fair employment opportunities. To understand these laws comprehensively, let’s delve into some of the key aspects.

Substance Testing Law

The state of Maine has specific laws governing substance testing in employment. These laws outline the procedures and requirements for drug and alcohol testing in the workplace.  If a pre-hire drug screen is required, an employer must first have approval of their company’s drug policies from the Maine Department of Labor. 

Medical Use of Marijuana Act

The Medical Use of Marijuana Act in Maine protects qualified patients from discrimination in employment based on their medical marijuana use.

Ban-the-Box Law

Maine’s Ban-the-Box law restricts employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history on job applications. This law aims to give individuals with criminal records a fair chance at employment by allowing them to be evaluated based on their qualifications rather than past mistakes.

Social Media Law

Maine has legislation in place that restricts employers from requesting access to an applicant’s social media accounts as a part of the pre-employment screening process. This law protects the privacy of individuals and prevents employers from using social media as a basis for employment decisions.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Failure to comply with Maine background check laws can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and lawsuits. It’s crucial for employers to understand these laws or enlist the help of a trusted service like PreSearch to ensure they remain compliant while obtaining the necessary information to make informed hiring decisions.

Types of Background Checks in Maine

While it may seem like there are a lot of rules and red tape when it comes to adhering to state and federal laws, the good news is that Mainers have the freedom to conduct a myriad of background checks, and here are the two most common

Criminal Background Checks

A Maine criminal background check provides valuable information about an individual’s criminal history, including convictions, arrests, and incarcerations. This helps employers make informed hiring decisions and ensure a safe workplace environment.

Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks in Maine involve verifying a candidate’s work history, such as employment dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving previous positions. These checks help employers validate a candidate’s experience and assess their suitability for a role.

How to Get a Background Check in Maine

To obtain a criminal background check in Maine, you can request a fingerprint-based or name-based search from the Maine State Police. However, keep in mind that these reports only cover criminal history within the state and may not include information from other states or internationally. For a comprehensive Maine background check that includes employment history and educational background, choosing a reliable provider like PreSearch is advisable.

How Long Does a Maine Background Check Take?

The duration of a background check in Maine differs based on the depth of the check and information sources. With PreSearch, you can expect quick and fast background checks. With our speedy turnaround times, we can give you results within a day or two, sometimes even the same day. We understand the importance of timely hiring decisions and strive to provide efficient results.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Maine?

In Maine, background checks typically cover the past seven years, following the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines. However, certain positions requiring high security on the job, involving salaries over $75,000, or other quantifiers may necessitate a deeper background investigation.

What Shows Up on a Maine Background Check?

The information included in a Maine background check depends on your specific requirements. With PreSearch, you can receive comprehensive reports that encompass criminal history in Maine, other states, and internationally. Our services extend beyond criminal records to include sex offender registry status, driving records, educational backgrounds, and more. This ensures you have a well-rounded understanding of a candidate’s background.

How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Maine?

The cost of a background check in Maine can fluctuate depending on the type and depth of the check required. If you go through Main State Police, a Maine criminal background check report will cost $31 per check. While that might sound reasonable, you’ve got to take into account that you are only getting a fraction of the data on your pre-hire.  Your best value is to partner with PreSearch, where we provide you with every aspect of background detail on your applicants – all while staying compliant with background check laws.  We save you time and money because we do what we know best, allowing you to run your business or volunteer organization without hassle.  For an accurate cost assessment tailored to your needs, it’s best to contact PreSearch directly.

Aside from its spectacular natural beauty and incomparable gravitas as a historical hub, New Hampshire is also a great place to do business or run a volunteer organization.  With perks like ample tax incentives, a strong economy, and a higher-than-average educated workforce from which to select – The Granite State is rock-solid for employers and volunteer recruiters.  Although the prospect of hiring great people and running successful operations is better in NH than in most states – what are you doing about protecting your business and employing the most trustworthy workers?  

That’s a loaded question that we here at PreSearch want to help you unpack.  Hiring and recruiting is one thing, but securing the right people for your organization takes finesse – especially when it comes to conducting a compliant, comprehensive New Hampshire background check.  Want to stay on the right side of your business or volunteer operations? Read further to learn everything you need to know about getting an NH background check to secure your business and ensure a faultless pre-screen on potential new hires or volunteers.

How PreSearch Can Help With Background Check Services in New Hampshire

PreSearch proudly stands as a top provider of employee background check services in New Hampshire. With our state-of-the-art technology and a committed team of experts, we deliver efficient and all-encompassing background checks for employers aiming to onboard reliable employees.

One benefit of choosing PreSearch Services for background checks is our capability to provide custom-made background checks and screening solutions fitting the exclusive requirements of different industries. Whether your business is in healthcare, finance, or education, PreSearch can precisely adjust our services to match your needs.

Moreover, with the constant evolution of laws and regulations surrounding each New Hampshire background check, keeping pace with the latest rules can be intimidating for employers. This is where PreSearch comes to your aid. We keep ourselves updated with all relevant federal and New Hampshire laws, so you can concentrate on your business without concerns about compliance issues.

When you choose PreSearch, expect exceptional care and unmatched service. Our experts aim to simplify the process of obtaining a background check in New Hampshire, ensuring it’s as simple and easy as possible. Trust our partnership to provide you with reliable information for informed hiring decisions, all drawn from trustworthy sources.

What is a Background Check

A background check is a method that involves researching and gathering an individual’s records, encompassing commercial, criminal, and financial records. Usually used in employment contexts, these checks assist employers in evaluating a candidate’s suitability for a job and guarantee they pose no threat to the organization or its employees.

Importance of New Hampshire Background Checks

Not just an essential part of the hiring process, New Hampshire background checks are also critical to upholding workplace safety and integrity. Background checks and screenings for trusted employees offer an unbiased review of a candidate’s past, helping to validate the accuracy of their application and shield the company from potential risks like fraud, theft, or harmful behavior. This vital process enables employers to make informed decisions, fosters trust, and can significantly impact the overall quality of the workforce.

New Hampshire Background Check Laws

New Hampshire background check laws are governed by both federal and state legislation. To avoid legal disputes and ensure compliance, employers must comprehend the requirements and subtleties of each regulation.

Federal Laws on Employment Background Checks

Employers in New Hampshire must abide by state laws and are also expected to adhere to and respect federal laws while conducting background checks. Before initiating a New Hampshire background check, here are the key federal laws you should be aware of. These laws must be followed in conjunction with state-specific regulations.

Civil Rights Act, Title VII

Enacted in 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act decrees it is illegal for employers to discriminate against applicants based on sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. This law is relevant to background checks as it prohibits employers from using these factors in any facet of employment, including hiring and firing.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA regulates how employers can use a candidate’s consumer reports, which can include credit reports and criminal records. Before obtaining these reports, employers must notify candidates in writing and receive their written consent.

As an NH employer, you must follow a specific process if you choose not to employ an applicant based on the information in a consumer report (a decision known as an “adverse action”). This involves providing the candidate with a pre-adverse action disclosure that includes documentation of the consumer report and an outline of their rights under the FCRA. After a reasonable amount of time, the employer must provide a notice of adverse action, informing the candidate about their rights to see the information reported about them and to correct any inaccuracies.

New Hampshire State Employment Background Check Laws

Background check laws in New Hampshire are established with the intent to balance the interests of employers, who need relevant information to make hiring decisions and individuals who have a right to privacy and a chance for employment. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key aspects of these laws:

Obsolete Criminal Information

New Hampshire law stipulates that employers should not use information about an arrest or conviction over seven years old. This law is predicated on the belief that people can reform and should not be perpetually punished for old mistakes, especially those that do not impact their ability to perform a job safely and effectively. Therefore, in many cases, arrests or convictions older than seven years are considered obsolete and should not be used in making employment decisions.

Conviction for a Non-Annulled Crime

Although the law protects individuals from discrimination due to old criminal convictions, it doesn’t provide the same protections for non-annulled crimes. Employers in New Hampshire can refuse to hire an individual based on a conviction for a non-annulled crime if the offense directly impacts the duties and responsibilities of the job in question. It is critical for employers to thoughtfully consider the relationship between the crime and the job before making a decision.

Ban-the-Box Law

In NH, the “Ban-the-Box” law aims to remove the checkbox on job application forms that ask about a candidate’s criminal history. This law is designed to give individuals who may have a New Hampshire criminal record a fair chance at employment by ensuring they are not automatically disqualified at the start of the hiring process. Instead, questions about criminal history are deferred until later in the hiring process, often after a conditional job offer has been made.

Legal Consequences for Non-compliance

Failure to comply with these laws, such as using obsolete criminal information, improperly considering non-annulled convictions, or violating the Ban-the-Box law, can result in significant legal consequences for employers. These may include substantial fines, potential lawsuits, and reputational damage. As a result, it is critical for businesses to thoroughly understand and follow these laws when conducting employment background checks.

Types of Background Checks in New Hampshire

The first step to streamline your hiring process and ensure compliance with New Hampshire laws is understanding the types of background checks available in the state. 

New Hampshire Criminal Background Checks

A criminal background check in New Hampshire provides insight into an individual’s criminal past. This can include details about convictions, arrests, incarcerations, and sentencing details – all of which aid employers in making informed hiring decisions.

New Hampshire Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks typically involve verifying a candidate’s work history in New Hampshire. This includes confirming employment dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving previous jobs. Employers can verify a candidate’s integrity and experience by conducting these checks.

How to Get a Background Check in New Hampshire

Obtaining a criminal background check in New Hampshire requires a request for either a fingerprint-based or name-based search to the New Hampshire State Police. However, keep in mind that these state government-provided reports only cover criminal history within New Hampshire. They won’t provide information about any potential criminal activity that occurred in other states or internationally. Moreover, these reports don’t include critical hiring information, such as employment history or educational background.

The best way to secure a comprehensive background check in New Hampshire is through a dependable provider like PreSearch. We offer the flexibility to choose the exact information you need, providing the most thorough and all-encompassing data for your hiring decisions.

How Long Does a New Hampshire Background Check Take

The duration of a background check in New Hampshire can fluctuate based on the depth of the check and the information sources. By using PreSearch, you can expect to receive comprehensive, quick, and fast background checks, often within a day or two and sometimes even the same day.

Time is a valuable asset when hiring the right individuals. Self-conducted background checks can be time-consuming and costly. With PreSearch, you can save time and resources as we handle the process and ensure a swift return of results. Trust us for all your background check needs in New Hampshire. We’ll help you make the best hiring decisions possible.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, background checks typically go back seven years, following the FCRA guidelines. However, certain types of background checks, like those for high-security or trust positions, may delve deeper into an individual’s past.

What Shows Up on a New Hampshire Background Check?

The type of information you receive from a background check depends on your specific requests. With PreSearch, you can choose to receive data on criminal history in New Hampshire, plus any criminal activity reported in other states or even internationally. Our services extend beyond just criminal records to other vital areas such as sex offender registry status, driving records, educational backgrounds, and more.

A basic New Hampshire criminal background check will reveal past convictions or pending charges within the state, including both felony and misdemeanor convictions. The information includes the severity of the charges, arrest dates, and any sentencing results.

In addition, comprehensive background checks can provide valuable financial information through credit reports. These can reveal instances of bankruptcy, fraudulent charges, liens, collections, and other data relevant to a pre-hire background check. Such insights can be instrumental in making informed hiring decisions.

How Much Does a Background Check Cost in New Hampshire?

The cost of a background check in New Hampshire can vary based on the type of check and the depth of information required. Employers can expect to pay $25 per check when obtaining criminal records from the New Hampshire State Police. That cost goes up from there depending upon additional information required.  

Your best value for obtaining a quality NH background check is to work with a pro like PreSearch. Our fees are well worth the peace of mind for getting all the information you need on pre-hires and doing so in compliance with state and federal laws.  Additionally, the cost of our services saves you time and money because you and your staff are free to focus on your business, not time-consuming background check details. For a precise cost assessment based on your specific needs, consider reaching out to PreSearch directly.