Summary of Minnesota HF286 First Engrossment

HF286 is a bill related to public safety in Minnesota. It authorizes local government units (counties and cities) to conduct criminal background checks on applicants seeking licenses to operate certain businesses.

Key Provisions:

1. Applicability:

   • The bill applies to individuals or entities (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) applying for a business license from a city or county.
     
   • It specifically covers businesses that qualify as adult entertainment establishments or those providing massage services.
     

2. Authority Granted:

   • Counties and cities are permitted to conduct criminal history background checks on license applicants.
     

3. Background Check Process:

   • The investigation must include both:
     
     • A state criminal history check through the Minnesota criminal records repository.
       
     • A national criminal history check through the FBI.
       
   • Applicants must provide:
     
     • A signed consent form for the background check.
       
     • A full set of classifiable fingerprints.
       
     • Any required fees.
       
   • The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) will process state-level checks and submit applicant fingerprints to the FBI for national records.
     
   • Results of the background checks will be sent back to the local government for review.
     

4. Determining Eligibility for Licensure:

   • Local governments will assess the criminal history data to determine if an applicant is disqualified from obtaining a business license.
     
   • Failure to cooperate with the background check process can be grounds for denial of the license application.
     

Purpose:

The bill aims to enhance public safety by allowing local governments to screen individuals applying for business licenses in industries that may pose public safety concerns, such as adult entertainment and massage services.

Legislative History:

• Introduced by Representatives Perryman, Curran, Engen, Tabke, Virnig, and others.
  
• Passed through the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy, then was rereferred to the Committee on Elections Finance and Government Operations.
  
• Placed on the General Register, amended, debated, and passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives.
  
• Transmitted to the Senate for further action.