Mastering Nebraska Background Check Laws: Expert Guide

• August 19, 2023
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Anybody who lives and works in Nebraska knows that its bounty is seemingly endless, and opportunities for business growth are virtually limitless.  In fact, the Cornhusker State has been ranked in the top 10 best places for business owners year after year according to the Forbes Best States for Business reports – very likely because NE enjoys an 8% lower cost of doing business than the national average.  While this is definitely a feather in the cap of NE employers and volunteer recruiters – it doesn’t mean a hill of beans if you have inadequate or underqualified employees in your organization. That’s where PreSearch is your trusted partner – because we have mastered the art of conducting a comprehensive and compliance background check in Nebraska.

Hiring in Nebraska demands more than just assessing qualifications; it’s about cultivating trust, integrity, and security within the workplace. When it comes to background checks, Nebraska has some pretty exacting standards. Although background checks are essential in enabling employers to make well-informed decisions when expanding their teams – it’s crucial to abide by federal and Nebraska background check laws.  Whether you’re new to hiring in NE, or need a better grasp of the process, PreSearch is here to help.  Read further to learn everything you need to know about getting a background check, Nebraska regulations, federal laws, and more in this expert guide.

How PreSearch Can Help With Background Check Services in Nebraska State

When it comes to obtaining comprehensive background check services in Nebraska, PreSearch stands at the forefront. Our combination of advanced technology and experienced professionals empowers employers to hire with confidence. Whether your industry is hospitality, technology, or retail, PreSearch offers tailored solutions that cater to the unique requirements of each sector.

Understanding and navigating the complex landscape of federal and Nebraska-specific background check laws can be a daunting task. With PreSearch Services for background checks, we simplify the process for you, ensuring employers remain compliant and well-informed, allowing them to focus on their core business operations.

What is a Background Check?

A background check involves a thorough review of an individual’s history, encompassing commercial, criminal, financial, and sometimes personal records. For employers, a background check is a critical tool that reveals a candidate’s history, verifies their identity and promotes workplace safety.

Importance of Nebraska State Background Checks

When it comes to background checks, Nebraska employers and volunteer recruiters need to know that this process extends beyond mere formality. Pre-screening checks are pivotal in fostering workplace safety and credibility. By offering insights into a candidate’s past, these checks verify the authenticity of their claims, reduce the risk of fraud or malicious activity, and contribute to the development of a trustworthy work environment.

Nebraska Background Check Laws

Conducting background checks in Nebraska involves adherence to both federal and state laws. To avoid legal complications and ensure compliance, employers need to grasp the specific requirements and nuances associated with each set of regulations.

Federal Laws on Employment Background Checks

Employers in Nebraska must also adhere to federal laws while conducting background checks. Prior to initiating a background check, it’s crucial to understand the key federal laws that apply. These federal regulations must be followed in conjunction with the specific state rules.

Civil Rights Act, Title VII

As in other states, Nebraska employers are obligated to abide by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ensures that candidates are not discriminated against based on characteristics such as their faith (religion), sexual orientation, color, or race, among other things.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

When employers in Nebraska access consumer reports, they must obtain written consent from the candidate. If adverse action is being considered due to the report’s contents, employers must adhere to the adverse action process, allowing the candidate to rectify any inaccuracies.

Nebraska State Employment Background Check Laws

Conducting background checks in Nebraska involves navigating a nuanced framework of regulations. Employers can access applicants’ criminal convictions within the past seven years, gaining insights for informed hiring decisions.

Nebraska upholds the Ban-the-Box law, ensuring fair recruitment by delaying criminal history inquiries until after a conditional job offer. The Workplace Privacy Act safeguards online privacy, restricting employer access to personal digital domains.

Nebraska further prohibits requesting social media credentials and limits credit report usage to job-relevant cases. Additional laws, like the Protection of Personal Information Act and Nebraska Equal Opportunity Employment Act, bolster data security and anti-discrimination measures.

Non-compliance carries hefty fines and legal consequences, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to Nebraska’s background check regulations.

Types of Background Checks in Nebraska

Concerning different background checks, Nebraska business owners and volunteer administrators have some choices. Here are a few types of background checks the state of Nebraska allows:

Criminal Background Checks

Regarding a criminal background check, Nebraska can provide criminal information on an applicant via the state’s Criminal Identification Division Office. This state-generated report covers small offenses and more serious crimes. These checks help employers understand a candidate’s past actions.

Employment Background Checks

Employment background checks focus on making sure an applicant’s work history is true. This step checks that the details the candidate provides about their past jobs are accurate. It helps employers make reliable hiring choices based on verified information.

By using these different background checks, Nebraska employers ensure they thoroughly evaluate potential hires while sticking to the state’s rules. This keeps the hiring process effective and trustworthy.

How to Get a Background Check in Nebraska

For accurate, comprehensive, and prompt background checks and screenings for trusted employees in Nebraska, partnering with PreSearch is the optimal choice. While state-based criminal checks are available, the thoroughness of a PreSearch report surpasses individual efforts. Our streamlined process ensures that employers have the necessary insights to make informed hiring decisions.

Remember that going through the state’s Criminal Identification Division Office will only provide you with criminal activity in the state of Nebraska – it won’t reveal any activity (if any) that might have been committed in other states or countries.  An NE criminal report will also not reveal work history, educational background, or personal references – all essential to making well-informed hiring decisions. 

Also, bear in mind that going the do-it-yourself (DIY) path means a lot of time and headaches for your HR staff.  It takes a tremendous amount of time to track down all the details and confirm if an applicant is 1) truly who they say they are, 2) trustworthy for the job, 3) qualified to perform job functions.

How Long Does a Nebraska Background Check Take?

A background check duration in Nebraska varies based on the required information depth. If you go the DIY route, you can expect to log a lot of man hours because organizing, researching, and tacking down all the essential information is incredibly time-consuming.  Alternatively, you can get quick and fast background checks when you partner with PreSearch.  We provide efficient and thorough reports, often delivering results within a day or two, saving time and resources compared to independent checks.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Nebraska State?

Background checks in Nebraska typically encompass the past seven years, aligning with FCRA guidelines. However, certain roles requiring heightened security may warrant deeper investigations.

What Shows Up on a Nebraska Background Check?

A background check through PreSearch in Nebraska offers a comprehensive overview based on specific needs. This includes:

Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Convictions: The background check reveals past convictions for minor misdemeanors and more serious felonies. This insight into the legal history of an applicant offers a clear picture of their past behavior.

Pending Criminal Matters: Any ongoing criminal cases or matters awaiting resolution are also a part of the background check. This information helps employers understand if an applicant has unresolved legal issues.

Arrests Leading to Convictions: Arrests that have resulted in criminal convictions are highlighted in the background check. This provides insight into the applicant’s interactions with the legal system.

Sex Offender Registry Listing: If an applicant is listed on the sex offender registry, this information is included in the background check. This is crucial for maintaining a safe and secure work environment.

Address History: The background check may include an applicant’s address history. This helps employers verify an applicant’s residence and track record.

Education History: An applicant’s educational background is also a part of the background check. This confirms the accuracy of the educational claims made by the candidate.

Domestic Terrorist Watch List: The background check checks if an applicant is listed on the Domestic Terrorist Watch List. This measure is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the workplace.

By encompassing these details, a Nebraska background check equips employers with essential insights into an applicant’s legal history, personal background, and potential risks. This information is vital in making prudent and well-informed hiring decisions.

How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Nebraska?

If you opt to get a criminal background check through Nebraska’s Criminal Identification Division Office, you can expect to pay $15.50 for each report. Again, it’s important to know that these reports will only give you criminal activity in the state – they won’t go any deeper than that.  Thankfully, you can get all the background information you need in one place for one affordable price with PreSearch. For precise pricing and optimal value, consult PreSearch, your trusted partner in comprehensive background checks.

In conclusion, background checks in Nebraska are integral to building a safe, trustworthy, and authentic workforce. PreSearch equips employers with the tools needed to make well-informed decisions, ensuring that Nebraska’s workforce remains dependable and strong.