Bill > HB991

This bill clarifies and refines the legal framework for conducting fingerprint-based background checks on individuals who have access to federal tax information held by the Department of the Attorney General. The background for this bill stems from a previous law (Act 35 from 2021) that authorized background checks, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation found the original language too broad, specifically the term "agents of contractors" was not clearly defined. The bill specifically amends two sections of Hawaii Revised Statutes to more precisely define who can be subject to these background checks: contractors, their employees, and subcontractors with access to federal tax information. The amendments allow the Department of the Attorney General to terminate or deny employment or services to these individuals if a background investigation reveals they pose a security risk to federal tax information, while also ensuring that the individuals are notified of findings and given an opportunity to respond. This change is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements and ensure proper oversight of individuals with access to sensitive federal tax information, while providing a more legally precise definition of the individuals subject to background checks.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=991&year=2025