Message from the Editor
Welcome to another edition of Inside Background Screening, our new newsletter. Our goal is to bring to you cutting-edge news and information about what is happening in the background screening world to help keep you informed and to position you to make the best possible hiring decisions.
We hope you enjoy Inside Background Screening and that you will share your interest and thoughts with us.
Lorenzo
Lorenzo Pugliano
CEO
Lpugliano@nsshire.com
Arizona Bill Targets School Background Checks Loopholes
Arizona’s Senate Bill 1106, known as Ava’s Law, aims to close background check loopholes in schools following a 2021 abuse case at Chaparral High School. The bill mandates school districts to contact previous employers and review disciplinary records before hiring staff, removing governmental immunity if these procedures are ignored. Introduced by Gretchen Jacobs, whose daughter was a victim, the law is set to take effect in September 2025 and will expire on December 31, 2027.
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Cleveland Will Prohibit Salary Inquiries and Require Salary Ranges in Job Postings
Effective October 27, 2025, Cleveland will enforce Ordinance No. 104-2025, requiring employers with 15 or more employees to include salary ranges in job postings and prohibiting inquiries into applicants’ salary histories. The ordinance aims to promote pay equity and prevent discrimination based on prior compensation. Employers found in violation may face penalties up to $5,000 per offense, with the Fair Employment Wage Board overseeing enforcement and offering a 90-day correction period before fines are applied.
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Colorado Governor Could Grant Mass Pardons for Psychedelics-Related Convictions Under Newly Filed Bill
Anti-legalization efforts in the U.S. have deep historical roots, stemming from racially charged propaganda in the early 20th century. The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act and the Nixon administration’s War on Drugs in the 1970s intensified these sentiments, leading to cannabis’s classification as a Schedule I drug. This status resulted in severe penalties and disproportionately impacted African American communities. These historical policies continue to influence current debates and opposition to cannabis legalization.
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Employers Must Be Vigilant to Protect Against Security Risks from Fraudulent Hires
Employers must be vigilant against security risks arising from fraudulent job applications, which can lead to hackers infiltrating organizations and accessing sensitive data. The FBI has issued warnings about these increasing threats. To mitigate risks, employers should conduct thorough employment verifications with previous employers, require in-person or video interviews, ensure candidates appear on camera, utilize reputable background check vendors compliant with applicable laws, scrutinize application materials for inconsistencies and suspicious patterns, and cross-reference information with publicly available sources.
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Florida Firefighter Charged with Arson was Hired at Another Fire Department
A Florida firefighter, previously arrested in 2007 for setting a fire at a women’s club, was hired by Lake County Fire Rescue despite his expunged criminal record. Background checks, including those by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, showed no criminal history. However, his Polk County personnel file revealed prior disciplinary issues and a recommendation for termination in 2014. Lake County officials stated they typically conduct reference checks only with recent employers, not reviewing full personnel files.
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New York State Bill Would Ban Employer Inquiries About Salary Expectations
New York Assembly Bill A1289 aims to enhance pay equity by prohibiting employers from inquiring about job applicants’ salary expectations before extending a job offer. This measure builds upon the state’s 2020 salary history ban, which already prevents employers from asking about an applicant’s past compensation. The bill also allows applicants to request information about employee benefits associated with the position. Currently, the bill is under review in the New York State Assembly.
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Spokane Approves First Ban the Address Ordinance in the Country
Spokane, Washington, has enacted the nation’s first “Ban the Address” ordinance, aiming to reduce employment barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness. Passed unanimously by the City Council, the law prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s housing status before extending a conditional job offer. Councilmember Paul Dillon emphasized that employment is a critical pathway out of homelessness, and this ordinance ensures that housing status doesn’t hinder job opportunities.
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Virginia’s 2025 Employment Laws: Background Checks, AI, And Cannabis
Virginia’s 2025 legislative session introduced several employment-related laws impacting employers:
- Criminal record access – House Bill 1627 restricts access to the Central Criminal Records Exchange, limiting dissemination to authorized entities.
- Record sealing – House Bill 2723 overhauls the criminal record sealing framework, effective July 1, 2026, with new eligibility criteria and procedures.
- AI oversight – House Bill 1642 mandates human involvement in AI-driven criminal justice decisions (House Bill 2094 proposing broader AI regulations was vetoed).
- Cannabis policy – House Bill 2485 aims to establish a retail marketplace for marijuana.
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Why People are Lying on their Resumes
A recent survey by ResumeLab reveals that 70% of workers admit to lying on their resumes, with 37% doing so frequently. The most common fabrications include embellishing job titles and responsibilities (52%), exaggerating the number of people managed (45%), and overstating employment duration (37%). Other falsehoods involve inflating company names (31%) and inventing entire job positions (24%).
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Federal Judge in Pennsylvania Reverses Dismissal of Medical Marijuana Cardholder’s Disability Discrimination Claim
On April 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Colville reinstated a disability discrimination claim under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) after a job applicant alleged his offer was rescinded following a pre-employment drug screen. The applicant, diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, used medical marijuana as part of his treatment. Judge Colville emphasized that the employer failed to engage in an interactive process to explore reasonable accommodations beyond marijuana use.
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Iowa Supreme Court Clarifies Random Drug Testing Rules for Employers
On April 11, 2025, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in Hampe v. Charles Gabus Motors, Inc. that the employer violated Iowa Code § 730.5 by improperly forming its random drug testing pool. The court emphasized that employers must exclude from the selection pool employees who are not scheduled to be at work or who have been excused from work prior to the announcement of testing. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of the statute.
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Joyce, Jeffries Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prepare for Inevitable End to Federal Cannabis Prohibition
On April 17, 2025, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) reintroduced the bipartisan PREPARE Act. The legislation aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for cannabis, modeled after alcohol regulations, to prepare for the eventual end of federal prohibition. The bill directs the Attorney General to create a commission to ensure safe production and consumption while addressing state-specific needs and rights.
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Pennsylvania House Gives Approval to Recreational Cannabis Legalization Bill
On May 6, 2025, the Pennsylvania House narrowly approved House Bill 1200 to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21+. The bill establishes a state-run retail model, allows home cultivation, and includes automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions. Revenue is directed toward community reinvestment and substance use treatment. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled state Senate.
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Texas House Panel Advances THC Bill with Stricter Regulations – But No Ban – For Hemp Industry
On May 21, 2025, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), aiming to ban all THC products derived from hemp, including delta-8 and delta-9 THC. The bill would criminalize possession with penalties up to one year in jail. Critics argue this could harm consumers and veterans who rely on hemp-derived cannabinoids.
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DOJ Accuses Illinois of Interfering with Federal Immigration Policy Via Workplace Privacy Law
The U.S. DOJ sued Illinois, alleging that its workplace privacy law SB0508 interferes with federal immigration enforcement. The law prohibits voluntary use of E-Verify unless federally required. DOJ argues the law conflicts with federal policy and weakens immigration law enforcement.
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ICE at the Workplace: A Toolkit for Employers
Employers should proactively prepare for potential ICE visits by creating a response plan, designating a contact person, training staff, maintaining accurate records, and conducting internal audits. Compliance with I-9 requirements is critical to minimize risks.
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E-Verify Begins Notifying Participating Employers About EAD Revocations
Starting April 23, 2025, E-Verify alerts employers via Case Alerts when DHS revokes an employee’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Employers should consult legal counsel before taking action, as some DHS terminations are on hold due to court rulings.
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Employment Authorization Disarray: What Employers Need to Know For I-9 Compliance
The U.S. government is terminating several work authorization programs (TPS, CHNV, Uniting for Ukraine). Employers must confirm valid status, monitor affected employees, and consult legal experts before making job decisions.
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Woman Accused of Using Fake Psychology Degree Pleads Guilty to Charges
Shannon McShane, a Colorado woman, pled guilty to fraud after using a fake psychology degree to work in child custody cases. She was indicted on 15 counts including perjury.
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Sam Altman’s Eye-Scanning ID Project Launches in U.S. with Six Locations
Sam Altman’s World ID (formerly Worldcoin) has launched in six U.S. cities. Users scan their irises to create a biometric “IrisCode” and receive WLD tokens. The ID can be used for logins on platforms like Reddit and Discord. World is partnering with Visa and Match Group.
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Disclaimer: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation. Nationwide Screening Services makes no representations for any products or services that are mentioned and accepts no responsibility for any actions or consequences taken without the guidance of a licensed attorney or professional consultant.
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