More screening for licensed job holders may be coming

Here’s something you might not know: nearly one out of three jobs in America now require a license of some sort.

And licensing doesn’t just include typical jobs like brokers or home contractors. Across the country, licensing requirements can touch everything from security guards and hair shampooers to home entertainment installers and florists.

But it’s not just licensing that these professionals may need to pursue in the future. Background screening may also be on tap for more professionals, thanks in part to a criminal case in South Carolina.

Todd Kohlhepp, a successful real estate agent living in Woodruff, S.C., pleaded guilty in July to committing seven murders over a 13-year period. During the years Kohlhepp committed his crimes, he was busy earning top-rated reviews from customers and hiding a serious criminal past. Sources say no background checks were completed during his tenure as a real estate agent. (It wasn’t a requirement when he applied for his license.)

This case rocked the region and caught the attention of lawmakers, some of whom believe it’s time to update the state’s licensing system.

Lawmakers there already added background screening and fingerprinting requirements for real estate agents, but another pending bill would add similar requirements for all of the state’s licensed occupations.

The bill gained only partial approval—the South Carolina House OK’d it, but the Senate did not—but that doesn’t mean the issue is forgotten. The bill can still come up for consideration in January. If approved, it would mean every licensed profession in the state—from hairdressers to plumbers—could be subject to background checks.

Does your profession require a license? If this trend edges its way across the country, will your company be ready?

ClearStar can help prepare your company for any change. Compliance is a moving target to which our experienced, accredited professionals and full-time legal counsel continually adjust. We can help you manage a program that meets ever-changing federal, state, and local laws. Contact us today to learn more.

At ClearStar, we are committed to your success. An important part of your employment screening program involves compliance with various laws and regulations, which is why we are providing information regarding screening requirements in certain countries, region, etc. While we are happy to provide you with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable laws and to understand how such information pertains to your employment screening program. The foregoing information is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. ClearStar is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice and this communication does not form an attorney client relationship. The foregoing information is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of a lawyer knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. ClearStar makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information contained in this publication. Legislative, regulatory and case law developments regularly impact on general research and this area is evolving rapidly. ClearStar expressly disclaim any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of the information provided herein.