Today, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) voiced her disapproval for Assembly Bill 3972, a majority bill that would prevent employers from performing background checks on prospective employees. The bill would require employers to make a conditional offer of employment before looking into an individual’s criminal history. An employer would not be able to withdraw their offer unless the conviction directly relates to the specific position offered, and puts individuals or the general public at risk. Today, the State Assembly Corrections Committee voted to bring Assembly Bill 3972 to the floor for a vote.

“Evaluating potential employees to fill a position has always been a challenge for companies, regardless of whether or not a candidate has a criminal record. I fear that this bill would be potentially harmful to small businesses. Hiring an employee is a significant investment, and background checks minimize their risk and provide critical insight into a potential employee’s character,” said Byrnes. “The only people that have benefited from state legislation this year have been criminals. I will oppose this bill and will continue to vote no on this absurd pro-criminal legislation.”

This year, state Majority politicians passed legislation to increase prisoner’s wages, and legislation that allows felons to serve on juries. Last week, following the release of Judith Clark, a domestic terrorist and cop killer, Majority politicians introduced a bill that would evaluate inmates over the age of 55 for possible parole release if they have served at least 15 years in prison, regardless of completing their minimum sentence.

“Voting rights, a prisoner pay raise, the list goes on,” said Byrnes. “When will the Majority politicians draw the line?”