James A. Leach: “S. 2561, the Consumer Reporting Employment Clarification Act of 1998 amends the Fair Crediting Reporting Act FCRA to…”

“S. 2561, the Consumer Reporting Employment Clarification Act of 1998 amends the Fair Crediting Reporting Act FCRA to revise certain changes that were made to the act last Congress. Some of these changes had inadvertent consequences on the trucking industry's hiring practices. Specifically, the bill amends the FCRA to remove burdensome restrictions so that trucking companies will be able to conduct background investigations of driver applicants in a timely and efficient manner to help ensure highway safety. S. 2561 has bipartisan support and the agreement of the Federal Trade Commission and consumer advocacy groups. The bill is also strongly supported by the American Trucking Association and the Truckload Carriers Association. The legislation also amends the FCRA so employers have access to critical information in order to make informed hiring decisions. Current law exempts convictions of crime from consumer reports after 7 years for individuals applying for jobs with an annual salary of less than $75,000. S. 2561 would remove this exemption. Such information is particularly crucial in the hiring process for employers in the area of child or elderly care, school bus driving, and household services. This bill provides for small changes to the FCRA that will have a significant impact on the efficiency of many employers' hiring practices, resulting in a safer environment for all.”