California “Fair Chance Act of 2023” SB 809

June 12th, 2023 | Chris Christian, Director of Compliance

Sterling has been following California Senate Bill 809 (SB-809) “Fair Chance Act of 2023” which was introduced on February 17, 2023. The bill would have significantly impacted criminal background screening by overhauling the California Fair Chance Act, effectively prohibiting criminal background checks absent pre-existing legislative requirements. We previously reported on the bill here.

On May 8th, 2023, the California Senate Appropriations Committee placed the bill in the “Suspense File” due to a projected budget of over $150,000. On May 18th, 2023, the bill was set for another hearing in the California Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill was “held under submission,” meaning there was some interest to continue to work on the bill, but no motion was made to move the bill out of committee. In California, bills introduced in the first year of the 2-year legislative session can be made into a 2-year bill at any time in the legislative process to allow additional work or amendments to be made to allow for the successful passage.

In summary, SB 809 is now on pause, has moved to a two-year cycle and will not be voted on in 2023. The bill’s author will have another opportunity to move the bill forward in 2024. We will continue to follow and provide updates as needed.

The Information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Sterling is not a law firm, and none of the information contained in this notice is intended as legal advice. Clients are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel about the impacts of any requirements. This and other important legislative updates can be found on the Sterling website:  https://www.sterlingcheck.com/resources/compliance-updates/

This content is offered for informational purposes only. First Advantage is not a law firm, and this content does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Information in this may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Readers of this content should contact their attorney or lawyer to obtain advice concerning any particular legal matter. No reader, or user of this content, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information in this content without first seeking legal advice from counsel or lawyers in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney or legal advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, or user of this presentation and First Advantage.