REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO ACT AS LEAD AGENCY IN REVIEWING THE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.

WHEREAS, the state is committed to protecting its citizens and the general public from individuals with specified criminal history backgrounds by restricting such individuals from engaging in certain types of employment; and

WHEREAS, numerous state agencies currently require criminal history background checks at either the state or federal level; and

WHEREAS, several state statutes currently require criminal history background checks at either the state or federal level; and

WHEREAS, state statutes and state agencies have varying requirements, including different fee schedules, procedures, time lines and disqualifying convictions for criminal history background checks; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the state to have an efficient and effective system of criminal background checks that is prompt, reasonably priced and accurate;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of public safety, as the lead agency and in cooperation with all other state and local agencies, boards and commissions that conduct or require state or federal criminal history background checks, examine and review existing statutes, identify areas for improvement of efficiency and effectiveness, reduce duplication and maintain reasonable costs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of public safety report its findings and recommendations to the legislative interim courts and criminal justice committee or other appropriate interim committee on or before November 1, 2002 for consideration by the forty-sixth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the legislative courts and criminal justice committee or other appropriate interim committee, the secretary of public safety and the administrative heads of all other state agencies, boards and commissions that conduct

or require criminal history background checks.