Important Compliance Updates
Here’s a short list of important compliance updates highlighting critical information about laws that a few different states have enacted recently. Keep up to date with any compliance changes by using Blueline Services for your background check and drug testing needs.
Background Check Updates
Maine: Bill LD1167 took effect on October 18, 2021. This bill prohibits employers from requesting criminal history records on an initial application or stating on applications that individuals with criminal history cannot apply. Employers may ask about one’s criminal history during an interview or once it is determined that the applicant is qualified for the position.
New York: Bill Int 1314-2018 also took effect on October 18, 2021. This bill extends and clarifies protections for individuals with pending criminal charges. It requires an assessment of the relationship between the charged conduct and the job, which is the same requirement when considering one’s conviction history.
Drug Testing Updates
New Jersey: The employment sections of New Jersey’s personal cannabis use act went into effect on August 21, 2021. This law says that marijuana use should be treated the same as alcohol use. This means that employers cannot discriminate against people based on marijuana use. However, employers can still drug test upon reasonable suspicion of impairment in the workplace.
New York: The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) amended New York Labor Law 201-D(4-a) to say that employers cannot discriminate against employees based on legal marijuana use outside of the workplace. Employers cannot test for marijuana use unless it is required by a state or federal law (DOT) or the employee is impaired at work under reasonable suspicion.
Stay up to date on these and other compliance updates with Blueline Services so you are aware of any changes that may affect your business. It’s critical that your business avoid compliance violations, and we at Blueline Services are here to help.