On July 22, 2015, Governor Douglas A. Ducey issued an executive order (2015-06) providing the state of Arizona the authority to perform credit, criminal and other background checks of prospective gubernatorial appointees and employees of the Office of the Governor. Currently, consumer reporting agencies can provide consumer reports to private employers for employment purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. With the executive order, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has the authorization to provide credit, criminal and other background checks to public employers. As stated in the order, employment background checks must be conducted by the Office of the Governor “to inquire into [the] character and fitness of such individuals” that will handle or handle financial information, personnel information, and other confidential and sensitive information.
Both public and private employers must review their policies regarding background checks to make sure they are in compliance. For more information, make sure to visit http://www.azdps.gov/.