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State legislators passed a bill which says certain institutions, agencies and facilities that serve children must run background checks on employees.

About The Bill

Legislators in Nevada passed Senate Bill 21 (SB21) which revises “requirements relating to background investigations conducted by certain institutions, agencies and facilities that serve children.” The bill is designed to protect children who spend time in public or private institutions and agencies to which they were sent by a juvenile court. It was signed by Governor Stephen F. Sisolak on June 8, 2021.

SB21 mandates that background checks must be run on job applicants to determine if they have been convicted of:

• Murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter or mayhem;
• A felony involving the use or threatened use of force or violence or the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon;
• Assault with intent to kill or to commit sexual assault or mayhem;
• Battery which results in substantial bodily harm to the victim;
• Battery that constitutes domestic violence that is punishable as a felony;
• Battery that constitutes domestic violence, other than a battery described by the bill, within the immediately preceding 3 years;
• Sexual assault, statutory sexual seduction, incest, lewdness, indecent exposure, an offense involving pornography and a minor or any other sexually related crime;
• Abuse or neglect of a child;
• Violations of various federal or state laws.

Convictions for these and various other crimes can disqualify an applicant. SB21 also covers other scenarios, such as individuals who have pending charges. It will go into effect on January 1, 2022. Read the bill.

Working With Children

According to SB21 a person who is undergoing a screening shall not be allowed to have unsupervised contact with children “in a public or private institution or agency to which a juvenile court commits a child” until the background check is completed.

Individuals who work at places that are governed by this law must be re-screened at least every five years.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Laws like SB21 are intended to protect vulnerable populations such as young people. These laws are essential for industries in which workers have direct contact with children, the elderly or anyone else who is in a vulnerable category.

Background checks can show employers if a candidate or current worker has a criminal record that might indicate they pose an undue risk. They are used to help organizations create safe workplaces, make informed decisions and conduct due diligence.

Running Background Checks

Screening job applicants, contractors and volunteers is a critical component of the hiring process. If your organization needs employment background checks, please contact us. Our knowledgeable team can answer your questions and help customize background check packages for any position based on industry needs, state laws and internal requirements.

We also make efforts to keep up with new and changing laws like the one in Nevada so we can provide educational resources. We’re available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.