ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) kicked off its three day Mid-Year Legislative and Regulatory Conference beginning with three high-level sessions featuring prominent federal and state government officials offering distinct perspectives on critical issues related to background screening. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Jacqueline Berrien led the roster of noted speakers, which also featured Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and a panel of Federal Trade Commission staff.
In her keynote address, Chair Berrien acknowledged the importance of EEOC’s interaction with industry stakeholders, and emphasized how events like the NAPBS conference provide a platform for addressing the misperceptions related to the EEOC’s 2012 Guidance- “Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” She noted that the guidance came about in part from the proliferation of minimal cost instant background checks. She addressed the EEOC’s current priorities, reiterating the value of individualized assessments and acknowledging the ongoing struggle to find the balance between federal and state regulation and guidance for employers to follow.
Separately, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens challenged the notion that the EEOC has been clear enough in providing employers with adequate information to comply with the law. He called on the EEOC to provide even greater clarity, to help companies avoid becoming the subject of costly civil lawsuits because of a lack of understanding of the law and its implications in their hiring decision.
“Having these noted speakers address our conference attendees provides an invaluable opportunity for our members to learn firsthand how the complex issues facing our profession are perceived by those with a direct impact on our businesses,” said Judy Gootkind, NAPBS Chair. “NAPBS appreciates the opportunity to facilitate this dialogue and looks forward to maintaining a working relationship with these entities moving forward.”
The NAPBS Mid-Year Legislative and Regulatory Conference also featured a panel of Federal Trade Commission staff discussing the recent joint publication with EEOC, and providing more insight into the individualized assessment process. Also, FTC staff encouraged attendees to contact their office with questions or concerns at anytime. Overall, the more than 300 representatives from the background screening profession walked away with new insight from federal and state officials as well as practical take-away information for evaluating compliance and security within their organizations. The NAPBS Mid-Year Legislative and Regulatory Conference also featured a day on Capitol Hill for association members to meet with Members of Congress and key staff.
About NAPBS
Founded in 2003 as a not-for-profit trade association, the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) represents the interests of more than 600 member companies around the world that offer tenant, employment and background screening. NAPBS provides relevant programs and training aimed at empowering members to better serve clients and maintain standards of excellence in the background screening industry, and presents a unified voice in the development of national, state, and local regulations. For more information, visit www.napbs.com.
