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Committee permits private detectives, security firms access to expunged conviction records for licensing; bill moves to judiciary
Summary
The committee adopted an A1 amendment to House File 2825 to ensure private detectives and security agencies can access conviction records otherwise expunged for licensing background checks; the measure was re‑referred to the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee.
The House Public Safety Committee on April 2 advanced House File 2825, a bill that would allow private detectives and licensed security agencies to access expunged conviction records during criminal‑background checks for licensing and hiring. The committee adopted an A1 amendment that clarifies coverage includes private detectives and certain security entities, then recommended the bill be re‑referred to the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee.
Why it matters: Sponsors said private detectives and security personnel perform sensitive duties — sometimes with firearms or access to private facilities — and that licensing boards should be able to review conviction records when determining eligibility. Richard Hodgson, who chairs the licensing board for private detectives and protective agents, told the committee the change would align private‑sector background checks with those already permitted for law‑enforcement and child‑care licensing.
What supporters said: Greg Cook, executive director of the Board of Private Detectives and Protective Agents, told the committee the board unanimously supports the bill and that full criminal-history information is necessary to evaluate applicants, employees and license renewals. He emphasized the bill addresses convictions only and not arrests.
Questions and scope: Committee members asked how the current fingerprint-driven checks are processed by the BCA and, where applicable, FBI checks. Testimony clarified the proposal targets conviction records and that recent changes in expungement law and automatic sealing ("clean slate") increased the number of records that could be expunged, which has prompted licensing authorities to seek explicit access to conviction records that remain disqualifying.
Outcome: The A1 amendment clarifying coverage for private detectives passed by voice vote. The committee recommended House File 2825, as amended, be re‑referred to the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee.
