California State Auditor: background checks.

Existing law generally requires government agencies and publicly created entities to provide the California State Auditor with specified records, documents, and information when the California State Auditor is conducting an audit of the agency or entity. Existing law prohibits the California State Auditor from releasing to the public certain records, documents, and information it obtains during the audit, such as personal papers and correspondence of a person providing assistance to the California State Auditor who has requested that they be kept confidential, records pertaining to an audit not yet completed, or information deemed confidential pursuant to the California Whistleblower Protection Act. Existing law requires a fingerprint-based criminal history information check that is required pursuant to any statute to be requested from the Department of Justice. When a government agency or other entity requests such a criminal history check for purposes of employment, licensing, or certification, the Department of Justice must disseminate specified information in response to the request, including information regarding convictions and arrests for which the applicant is presently awaiting trial. This bill would require the California State Auditor to require fingerprint images and related information from a prospective employee whose duties include or would include access to records, documents, or information, the disclosure of which is restricted by law from release, including by the California Whistleblower Protection Act, or who would have access to cash, checks, or other accountable items. The bill would also require any services contract that is entered into, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2024, by the State Auditor to contain a provision requiring the contractor and specified individuals to provide fingerprint images and related information if they will have access to such records, documents, information, or items. The bill would require the fingerprint images and related information to be provided to the Department of Justice for the purpose of performing a state and federal level criminal history background check. The bill would permit the California State Auditor to investigate the individual's criminal history in order to make a final determination regarding the individual's fitness to perform duties that would include access to the records, documents, information, or other items described above. Existing law establishes within the State Treasury the State Audit Fund, which is a continuously appropriated fund for the expenses of the State Auditor. By expanding the duties of the California State Auditor's Office, this bill would create an appropriation.