Bill > SB118

This bill establishes the Alabama Background Check Service and the Alabama Rap Back Program, managed by the Alabama Justice Information Commission (AJIC) and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Alabama Background Check Service will allow authorized entities, such as employers, licensing boards, and non-profit organizations, to conduct background checks on individuals for non-criminal justice purposes, meaning for reasons other than direct criminal prosecution, like employment suitability or licensing. These checks can be name-based or biometric-based (using fingerprints or other identifiers) and will involve fees, with a maximum of $30 for a standard background check, plus potential additional costs for national checks or third-party services. The Alabama Rap Back Program, which can be established as part of the background check service, will allow participating entities to receive ongoing notifications if an individual enrolled in the program is arrested or convicted of a new offense, with an annual fee of up to $12 per enrolled individual. The bill also updates definitions related to criminal history information and biometric identifiers, clarifies the collection and use of such data, and repeals existing laws concerning the release of criminal history information, with the new provisions taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search