Bill > SB5068

This bill expands the eligibility for employment in certain public service roles to include all individuals legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, not just U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Specifically, it modifies requirements for general or limited authority law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys and their staff, and corrections officers. For those working in correctional facilities or jails, and for employees of prosecuting attorneys' offices, the bill now allows individuals who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law to be considered for employment, in addition to U.S. citizens. It also updates the background investigation requirements for peace officers and corrections officers, allowing corrections officers to be hired if they are U.S. citizens or legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, while peace officers still have slightly broader eligibility criteria. The bill clarifies that these changes must be interpreted and applied consistently with federal law and do not permit employers to bypass existing federal work authorization requirements.