(REPRINTED WITH ADOPTED AMENDMENTS)

                                                                                    FIRST REPRINTA.B. 331

 

Assembly Bill No. 331–Assemblyman Nolan

 

March 13, 2001

____________

 

Referred to Committee on Judiciary

 

SUMMARY—Makes various changes concerning dissemination of records of criminal history by central repository for Nevada records of criminal history. (BDR 14‑304)

 

FISCAL NOTE:  Effect on Local Government: Yes.

                             Effect on the State: Yes.

 

~

 

EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted.

Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT relating to criminal records; authorizing the central repository for Nevada records of criminal history to conduct investigations and to disseminate certain information concerning applicants and employees of private schools; expanding the offenses about which certain employers may obtain information concerning employees; authorizing such employers to obtain the same information about volunteers and prospective volunteers; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

 

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN

SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

 

1-1    Section 1. NRS 179.301 is hereby amended to read as follows:

1-2    179.301  1.  The state gaming control board and Nevada gaming

1-3  commission and their employees, agents and representatives may inquire

1-4  into and inspect any records sealed pursuant to NRS 179.245 or 179.255, if

1-5  the event or conviction was related to gaming, [for purposes of

1-6  determining] to determine the suitability or qualifications of any person to

1-7  hold a state gaming license, manufacturer’s, seller’s or distributor’s license

1-8  or gaming work permit pursuant to chapter 463 of NRS. Events and

1-9  convictions, if any, which are the subject of an order sealing records may

1-10  form the basis for recommendation, denial or revocation of those licenses

1-11  or work permits.

1-12  2.  The central repository for Nevada records of criminal history and

1-13  its employees may inquire into and inspect any records sealed pursuant to

1-14  NRS 179.245 or 179.255 that constitute information relating to sexual

1-15  offenses, and may notify employers of the information in accordance with

1-16  NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive.

1-17  3.  Records which have been sealed pursuant to NRS 179.245 or

1-18  179.255 and which are retained in the statewide registry established


2-1  pursuant to NRS 179B.200 may be inspected pursuant to chapter 179B of

2-2  NRS by an officer or employee of the central repository for Nevada

2-3  records of criminal history or a law enforcement officer in the regular

2-4  course of his duties.

2-5    4.  As used in this section:

2-6    (a) “Information relating to sexual offenses” means information

2-7  contained in or concerning a record of criminal history, or the records of

2-8  criminal history of the United States or another state, relating in any way

2-9  to a sexual offense.

2-10  (b) “Sexual offense” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 179A.073.

2-11  Sec. 2.  NRS 179A.075 is hereby amended to read as follows:

2-12  179A.075  1.  The central repository for Nevada records of criminal

2-13  history is hereby created within the Nevada highway patrol division of the

2-14  department.

2-15  2.  Each agency of criminal justice and any other agency dealing with

2-16  crime or delinquency of children shall:

2-17  (a) Collect and maintain records, reports and compilations of statistical

2-18  data required by the department; and

2-19  (b) Submit the information collected to the central repository in the

2-20  manner recommended by the advisory committee and approved by the

2-21  director of the department.

2-22  3.  Each agency of criminal justice shall submit the information relating

2-23  to [sexual offenses and other] records of criminal history that it creates or

2-24  issues, and any information in its possession relating to the genetic markers

2-25  of the blood and the secretor status of the saliva of a person who is

2-26  convicted of sexual assault or any other sexual offense, to the division in

2-27  the manner prescribed by the director of the department. The information

2-28  must be submitted to the division:

2-29  (a) Through an electronic network;

2-30  (b) On a medium of magnetic storage; or

2-31  (c) In the manner prescribed by the director of the

2-32  department,

2-33  within the period prescribed by the director of the department. If an agency

2-34  has submitted a record regarding the arrest of a person who is later

2-35  determined by the agency not to be the person who committed the

2-36  particular crime, the agency shall, immediately upon making that

2-37  determination, so notify the division. The division shall delete all

2-38  references in the central repository relating to that particular arrest.

2-39  4.  The division shall, in the manner prescribed by the director of the

2-40  department:

2-41  (a) Collect, maintain and arrange all information submitted to it relating

2-42  to:

2-43      (1) [Sexual offenses and other records] Records of criminal history;

2-44  and

2-45      (2) The genetic markers of the blood and the secretor status of the

2-46  saliva of a person who is convicted of sexual assault or any other sexual

2-47  offense.


3-1    (b) When practicable, use a record of the personal identifying

3-2  information of a subject as the basis for any records maintained regarding

3-3  him.

3-4    (c) Upon request, provide the information that is contained in the central

3-5  repository to the state disaster identification team of the division of

3-6  emergency management of the department . [of motor vehicles and public

3-7  safety.]

3-8    5.  The division may:

3-9    (a) Disseminate any information which is contained in the central

3-10  repository to any other agency of criminal justice;

3-11  (b) Enter into cooperative agreements with federal and state repositories

3-12  to facilitate exchanges of information that may be disseminated pursuant to

3-13  paragraph (a); and

3-14  (c) Request of and receive from the Federal Bureau of Investigation

3-15  information on the background and personal history of any person whose

3-16  record of fingerprints the central repository submits to the Federal Bureau

3-17  of Investigation and:

3-18      (1) Who has applied to any agency of the State of Nevada or any

3-19  political subdivision thereof for a license which it has the power to grant or

3-20  deny;

3-21      (2) With whom any agency of the State of Nevada or any political

3-22  subdivision thereof intends to enter into a relationship of employment or a

3-23  contract for personal services;

3-24      (3) About whom any agency of the State of Nevada or any political

3-25  subdivision thereof has a legitimate need to have accurate personal

3-26  information for the protection of the agency or the persons within its

3-27  jurisdiction; or

3-28      (4) For whom such information is required to be obtained pursuant to

3-29  NRS 449.179.

3-30  6.  The central repository shall:

3-31  (a) Collect and maintain records, reports and compilations of statistical

3-32  data submitted by any agency pursuant to subsection 2.

3-33  (b) Tabulate and analyze all records, reports and compilations of

3-34  statistical data received pursuant to this section.

3-35  (c) Disseminate to federal agencies engaged in the collection of

3-36  statistical data relating to crime information which is contained in the

3-37  central repository.

3-38  (d) Investigate the criminal history of any person who:

3-39      (1) Has applied to the superintendent of public instruction for a

3-40  license;

3-41      (2) Has applied to a county school district or a private school for

3-42  employment; or

3-43      (3) Is employed by a county school district[,] or a private

3-44  school,

3-45  and notify the superintendent of each county school district , the

3-46  administrator of each private school and the superintendent of public

3-47  instruction if the investigation of the central repository indicates that the

3-48  person has been convicted of a violation of NRS 200.508, 201.230,


4-1  453.3385, 453.339 or 453.3395, or convicted of a felony or any offense

4-2  involving moral turpitude.

4-3    (e) Upon discovery, notify the superintendent of each county school

4-4  district or the administrator of each private school, as appropriate, by

4-5  providing [him] the superintendent or administrator with a list of all

4-6  persons:

4-7       (1) Investigated pursuant to paragraph (d); or

4-8       (2) Employed by a county school district or a private school whose

4-9  fingerprints were sent previously to the central repository for

4-10  investigation,

4-11  who the central repository’s records indicate have been convicted of a

4-12  violation of NRS 200.508, 201.230, 453.3385, 453.339 or 453.3395, or

4-13  convicted of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude since the

4-14  central repository’s initial investigation. The superintendent of each county

4-15  school district or the administrator of each private school, as applicable,

4-16  shall determine whether further investigation or action by the district or

4-17  private school, as applicable, is appropriate.

4-18  (f) Investigate the criminal history of each person who submits

4-19  fingerprints or has his fingerprints submitted pursuant to NRS 449.176 or

4-20  449.179.

4-21  (g) On or before July 1 of each year, prepare and present to the

4-22  governor a printed annual report containing the statistical data relating to

4-23  crime received during the preceding calendar year. Additional reports may

4-24  be presented to the governor throughout the year regarding specific areas

4-25  of crime if they are recommended by the advisory committee and approved

4-26  by the director of the department.

4-27  (h) On or before July 1 of each year, prepare and submit to the director

4-28  of the legislative counsel bureau, for submission to the legislature, or the

4-29  legislative commission when the legislature is not in regular session, a

4-30  report containing statistical data about domestic violence in this state.

4-31  (i) Identify and review the collection and processing of statistical data

4-32  relating to criminal justice and the delinquency of children by any agency

4-33  identified in subsection 2, and make recommendations for any necessary

4-34  changes in the manner of collecting and processing statistical data by any

4-35  such agency.

4-36  7.  The central repository may:

4-37  (a) At the recommendation of the advisory committee and in the manner

4-38  prescribed by the director of the department, disseminate compilations of

4-39  statistical data and publish statistical reports relating to crime or the

4-40  delinquency of children.

4-41  (b) Charge a reasonable fee for any publication or special report it

4-42  distributes relating to data collected pursuant to this section. The central

4-43  repository may not collect such a fee from an agency of criminal justice,

4-44  any other agency dealing with crime or the delinquency of children which

4-45  is required to submit information pursuant to subsection 2 or the state

4-46  disaster identification team of the division of emergency management of

4-47  the department . [of motor vehicles and public safety.] All money collected

4-48  pursuant to this paragraph must be used to pay for the cost of operating the

4-49  central repository.


5-1    (c) In the manner prescribed by the director of the department, use

5-2  electronic means to receive and disseminate information contained in the

5-3  central repository that it is authorized to disseminate pursuant to the

5-4  provisions of this chapter.

5-5    8.  As used in this section:

5-6    (a) “Advisory committee” means the committee established by the

5-7  director of the department pursuant to NRS 179A.078.

5-8    (b) “Personal identifying information” means any information designed,

5-9  commonly used or capable of being used, alone or in conjunction with any

5-10  other information, to identify a person, including, without limitation:

5-11      (1) The name, driver’s license number, social security number, date

5-12  of birth and photograph or computer generated image of a person; and

5-13      (2) The fingerprints, voiceprint, retina image and iris image of a

5-14  person.

5-15  (c) “Private school” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 394.103.

5-16  Sec. 3.  NRS 179A.080 is hereby amended to read as follows:

5-17  179A.080  The director of the department is responsible for

5-18  administering this chapter and may adopt regulations for that purpose. The

5-19  director shall:

5-20  1.  Adopt regulations for the security of the central repository so that it

5-21  is adequately protected from fire, theft, loss, destruction, other hazards and

5-22  unauthorized access.

5-23  2.  Adopt regulations and standards for personnel employed by

5-24  agencies of criminal justice in positions of responsibility for maintenance

5-25  and dissemination of information relating to [sexual offenses and other]

5-26  records of criminal history [.] and information disseminated pursuant to

5-27  NRS 179A.180 to 179A.240, inclusive.

5-28  3.  Provide for audits of informational systems by qualified public or

5-29  private agencies, organizations or persons.

5-30  Sec. 4.  NRS 179A.100 is hereby amended to read as follows:

5-31  179A.100  1.  The following records of criminal history may be

5-32  disseminated by an agency of criminal justice without any restriction

5-33  pursuant to this chapter:

5-34  (a) Any which reflect records of conviction only; and

5-35  (b) Any which pertain to an incident for which a person is currently

5-36  within the system of criminal justice, including parole or probation.

5-37  2.  Without any restriction pursuant to this chapter, a record of criminal

5-38  history or the absence of such a record may be:

5-39  (a) Disclosed among agencies which maintain a system for the mutual

5-40  exchange of criminal records.

5-41  (b) Furnished by one agency to another to administer the system of

5-42  criminal justice, including the furnishing of information by a police

5-43  department to a district attorney.

5-44  (c) Reported to the central repository.

5-45  3.  An agency of criminal justice shall disseminate to a prospective

5-46  employer, upon request, records of criminal history concerning a

5-47  prospective employee or volunteer which:

5-48  (a) Reflect convictions only; or


6-1    (b) Pertain to an incident for which the prospective employee or

6-2  volunteer is currently within the system of criminal justice, including

6-3  parole or probation.

6-4    4.  [The central repository shall disseminate to a prospective or current

6-5  employer, upon request, information relating to sexual offenses concerning

6-6  an employee, prospective employee, volunteer or prospective volunteer

6-7  who gives his written consent to the release of the information.

6-8    5.] Records of criminal history must be disseminated by an agency of

6-9  criminal justice upon request, to the following persons or governmental

6-10  entities:

6-11  (a) The person who is the subject of the record of criminal history for

6-12  the purposes of NRS 179A.150.

6-13  (b) The person who is the subject of the record of criminal history or his

6-14  attorney of record when the subject is a party in a judicial, administrative,

6-15  licensing, disciplinary or other proceeding to which the information is

6-16  relevant.

6-17  (c) The state gaming control board.

6-18  (d) The state board of nursing.

6-19  (e) The private investigator’s licensing board to investigate an applicant

6-20  for a license.

6-21  (f) A public administrator to carry out his duties as prescribed in chapter

6-22  253 of NRS.

6-23  (g) A public guardian to investigate a ward or proposed ward or persons

6-24  who may have knowledge of assets belonging to a ward or proposed ward.

6-25  (h) Any agency of criminal justice of the United States or of another

6-26  state or the District of Columbia.

6-27  (i) Any public utility subject to the jurisdiction of the public utilities

6-28  commission of Nevada when the information is necessary to conduct a

6-29  security investigation of an employee or prospective employee, or to

6-30  protect the public health, safety or welfare.

6-31  (j) Persons and agencies authorized by statute, ordinance, executive

6-32  order, court rule, court decision or court order as construed by appropriate

6-33  state or local officers or agencies.

6-34  (k) Any person or governmental entity which has entered into a contract

6-35  to provide services to an agency of criminal justice relating to the

6-36  administration of criminal justice, if authorized by the contract, and if the

6-37  contract also specifies that the information will be used only for stated

6-38  purposes and that it will be otherwise confidential in accordance with state

6-39  and federal law and regulation.

6-40  (l) Any reporter for the electronic or printed media in his professional

6-41  capacity for communication to the public.

6-42  (m) Prospective or current employers of prospective or current

6-43  employees or volunteers if the person who is the subject of the information

6-44  has given written consent to the release of that information by the agency

6-45  which maintains it.

6-46  (n) For the express purpose of research, evaluative or statistical

6-47  programs pursuant to an agreement with an agency of criminal justice.

6-48  (o) The division of child and family services of the department of

6-49  human resources and any county agency that is operated pursuant to NRS


7-1  432B.325 or authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to receive and

7-2  investigate reports of abuse or neglect of children and which provides or

7-3  arranges for protective services for such children.

7-4    (p) The welfare division of the department of human resources or its

7-5  designated representative.

7-6    (q) An agency of this or any other state or the Federal Government that

7-7  is conducting activities pursuant to Part D of [Title] Subchapter IV of

7-8  Chapter 7 of Title 42 of the Social Security Act , [(]42 U.S.C. §§ 651 et

7-9  seq. [).]

7-10  (r) The state disaster identification team of the division of emergency

7-11  management of the department . [of motor vehicles and public safety.

7-12  6.] 5. Agencies of criminal justice in this state which receive

7-13  information from sources outside this state concerning transactions

7-14  involving criminal justice which occur outside Nevada shall treat the

7-15  information as confidentially as is required by the provisions of this

7-16  chapter.

7-17  Sec. 5.  NRS 179A.110 is hereby amended to read as follows:

7-18  179A.110  No person who receives information relating to [sexual

7-19  offenses or other] records of criminal history pursuant to this chapter or

7-20  who receives information pursuant to NRS 179A.180 to 179A.240,

7-21  inclusive, may disseminate it further without express authority of law or in

7-22  accordance with a court order. This section does not prohibit the

7-23  dissemination of material by an employee of the electronic or printed

7-24  media in his professional capacity for communication to the public.

7-25  Sec. 6.  NRS 179A.130 is hereby amended to read as follows:

7-26  179A.130  Each agency of criminal justice which maintains and

7-27  disseminates information relating to [sexual offenses or other] records of

7-28  criminal history must maintain a log of each dissemination of that

7-29  information other than a dissemination of the fact that the agency has no

7-30  record relating to a certain person. The log must be maintained for at least

7-31  1 year after the information is disseminated, and must contain:

7-32  1.  An entry showing to what agency or person the information relating

7-33  to [sexual offenses or other] records of criminal history were provided;

7-34  2.  The date on which the information was provided;

7-35  3.  The person who is the subject of the information; and

7-36  4.  A brief description of the information provided.

7-37  Sec. 7.  NRS 179A.140 is hereby amended to read as follows:

7-38  179A.140  1.  [An] Except as otherwise provided in this subsection,

7-39  an agency of criminal justice may charge a reasonable fee for information

7-40  relating to [sexual offenses or other] records of criminal history [furnished]

7-41  provided to any person or governmental entity . [except] An agency of

7-42  criminal justice shall not charge a fee for providing such information to

7-43  another agency of criminal justice [and] if the information is provided for

7-44  purposes of the administration of criminal justice, or for providing such

7-45  information to the state disaster identification team of the division of

7-46  emergency management of the department . [of motor vehicles and public

7-47  safety.] The central repository shall not charge such a fee for information

7-48  relating to a person regarding whom the central repository [furnished]


8-1  provided a similar report within the immediately preceding 6 months in

8-2  conjunction with the application by that person for professional licensure.

8-3    2.  All money received or collected by the department pursuant to this

8-4  section must be used to defray the cost of operating the central repository.

8-5    Sec. 8.  NRS 179A.150 is hereby amended to read as follows:

8-6    179A.150  1.  The central repository and each state, municipal, county

8-7  or metropolitan police agency shall permit a person, who is or believes he

8-8  may be the subject of information relating to [sexual offenses or other]

8-9  records of criminal history maintained by that agency, to appear in person

8-10  during normal business hours of the agency and inspect any recorded

8-11  information held by that agency pertaining to him. This right of access

8-12  does not extend to data contained in intelligence, investigative or other

8-13  related files, and does not include any information other than [that defined

8-14  as information relating to sexual offenses or] information contained in a

8-15  record of criminal history.

8-16  2.  Each such agency shall adopt regulations and make available

8-17  necessary forms to permit inspection and review of information relating to

8-18  [sexual offenses or other] records of criminal history by those persons who

8-19  are the subjects thereof. The regulations must specify:

8-20  (a) The reasonable periods during which the records are available for

8-21  inspection;

8-22  (b) The requirements for proper identification of the persons seeking

8-23  access to the records; and

8-24  (c) The reasonable charges or fees, if any, for inspecting records.

8-25  3.  Each such agency shall procure for and furnish to any person who

8-26  requests it and pays a reasonable fee therefor, all of the information

8-27  contained in the central repository which pertains to the person making the

8-28  request.

8-29  4.  The director of the department shall adopt regulations governing:

8-30  (a) All challenges to the accuracy or sufficiency of information relating

8-31  to [sexual offenses or other] records of criminal history by the person who

8-32  is the subject of the allegedly inaccurate or insufficient record;

8-33  (b) The correction of any information relating to [sexual offenses or

8-34  other record] records of criminal history found by the director to be

8-35  inaccurate, insufficient or incomplete in any material respect;

8-36  (c) The dissemination of corrected information to those persons or

8-37  agencies which have previously received inaccurate or incomplete

8-38  information; and

8-39  (d) A time limit of not more than 90 days within which inaccurate or

8-40  insufficient information relating to [sexual offenses or other] records of

8-41  criminal history must be corrected and the corrected information

8-42  disseminated. The corrected information must be sent to each person who

8-43  requested the information in the 12 months preceding the date on which the

8-44  correction was made, and notice of the correction must be sent to each

8-45  person entitled thereto pursuant to NRS 179A.210, to the address given by

8-46  each person who requested the information when the request was made.

8-47  Sec. 9.  NRS 179A.180 is hereby amended to read as follows:

8-48  179A.180  As used in NRS 179A.180 to 179A.240, inclusive, unless

8-49  the context otherwise requires:


9-1    1.  “Employee” means a person who renders time and services to an

9-2  employer, with or without compensation, and whose regular course of

9-3  duties places that person in a position to:

9-4    (a) Exercise supervisory or disciplinary control over children;

9-5    (b) Have direct access to or contact with children served by the

9-6  employer; or

9-7    (c) Have access to information or records maintained by the employer

9-8  relating to identifiable children served by the employer,

9-9  and includes a prospective employee, [but does not include a] volunteer or

9-10  prospective volunteer.

9-11  2.  “Employer” means a person, or a governmental agency or political

9-12  subdivision of this state that is not an agency of criminal justice, whose

9-13  employees or volunteers regularly render services to children, including ,

9-14  without limitation , care, treatment, transportation, instruction,

9-15  companionship, entertainment and custody.

9-16  Sec. 10.  NRS 179A.190 is hereby amended to read as follows:

9-17  179A.190  1.  Notice of information relating to [sexual] the offenses

9-18  listed in subsection 4 may be disseminated to employers pursuant to NRS

9-19  179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive.

9-20  2.  An employer may consider such a notice of information concerning

9-21  an employee when making a decision to hire, retain, suspend or discharge

9-22  the employee, and is not liable in an action alleging discrimination based

9-23  upon consideration of information obtained pursuant to NRS 179A.190 to

9-24  179A.240, inclusive.

9-25  3.  The provisions of NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive, do not

9-26  limit or restrict any other statute specifically permitting the dissemination

9-27  or release of information relating to [sexual offenses.] the offenses listed in

9-28  subsection 4.

9-29  4.  The offenses for which a notice of information may be

9-30  disseminated pursuant to subsection 1 includes information contained in

9-31  or concerning a record of criminal history, or the records of criminal

9-32  history of the United States or another state, relating in any way to:

9-33  (a) A sexual offense;

9-34  (b) Murder, voluntary manslaughter or mayhem;

9-35  (c) Assault with intent to kill or to commit mayhem;

9-36  (d) Abuse or neglect of a child or contributory delinquency;

9-37  (e) A violation of any provision of chapter 453 of NRS;

9-38  (f) A violation committed within the immediately preceding 7 years of

9-39  any federal or state law regulating the possession, distribution or use of

9-40  any controlled substance or any dangerous drug as defined in chapter

9-41  454 of NRS;

9-42  (g) A violation of any provision of NRS 200.5099;

9-43  (h) A violation of any provision of NRS 484.379 or 484.3795;

9-44  (i) Any offense committed within the immediately preceding 7 years

9-45  involving fraud, theft, embezzlement, burglary, robbery, fraudulent

9-46  conversion or misappropriation of property; or

9-47  (j) Any other felony committed within the immediately preceding 7

9-48  years involving the use of a firearm or other deadly weapon.


10-1  5.  The information described in subsection 4 includes acts committed

10-2  outside this state that would constitute any of the offenses listed in that

10-3  subsection if committed in this state, and the aiding, abetting, attempting

10-4  or conspiring to engage in any of the offenses listed in that subsection.

10-5  Sec. 11.  NRS 179A.200 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-6  179A.200  1.  An employer may request from the central repository

10-7  notice of information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in subsection 4

10-8  of NRS 179A.190 concerning an employee.

10-9  2.  A request for notice of information relating to [sexual] the offenses

10-10  listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 from an employer must conform

10-11  to the requirements of the central repository. The request must include:

10-12  (a) The name and address of the employer, and the name and signature

10-13  of the person requesting the notice on behalf of the employer;

10-14  (b) The name and address of the employer’s facility in which the

10-15  employee is employed or seeking to become employed;

10-16  (c) The name, fingerprints and other identifying information of the

10-17  employee;

10-18  (d) Signed consent by the employee to a search of information relating

10-19  to [sexual] the offenses listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190

10-20  concerning him, and for the release of a notice concerning that information;

10-21  (e) The mailing address of the employee or a signed waiver of the right

10-22  of the employee to be sent a copy of the information disseminated to the

10-23  employer as a result of the search of the records of criminal history; and

10-24  (f) The signature of the employee indicating that he has been notified

10-25  of:

10-26     (1) The types of information for which notice is subject to

10-27  dissemination pursuant to NRS 179A.210, or a description of the

10-28  information;

10-29     (2) The employer’s right to require a check of the records of criminal

10-30  history as a condition of employment; and

10-31     (3) The employee’s right, pursuant to NRS 179A.150, to challenge

10-32  the accuracy or sufficiency of any information disseminated to the

10-33  employer.

10-34  Sec. 12.  NRS 179A.210 is hereby amended to read as follows:

10-35  179A.210  1.  Upon receipt of a request from an employer for notice

10-36  of information relating to [sexual offenses,] the offenses listed in

10-37  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190, the central repository shall undertake a

10-38  search for the information, unless the request does not conform to the

10-39  requirements of the repository. The search must be based on the

10-40  [employee’s fingerprints,] fingerprints of the employee, or on a number

10-41  furnished to the employee for identification pursuant to a previous search,

10-42  as provided by the employer, and must include:

10-43  (a) Identifying any information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in

10-44  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 concerning the employee in the central

10-45  repository;

10-46  (b) Requesting information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in

10-47  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 concerning the employee from federal

10-48  repositories and repositories of other states, if authorized by federal law or

10-49  an agreement entered into pursuant to NRS 179A.075;


11-1  (c) If the information pertains to an arrest for which no disposition has

11-2  been reported, contacting appropriate officers in the local jurisdiction

11-3  where the arrest or prosecution occurred to verify and update the

11-4  information; and

11-5  (d) Determining whether the information relating to [sexual] the

11-6  offenses listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 is the type of information

11-7  for which notice is subject to dissemination pursuant to this section.

11-8  2.  Notice of information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in

11-9  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 may be disseminated to an employer who

11-10  has requested it only if a check of the pertinent records indicates:

11-11  (a) A conviction for [a sexual] any such offense, or a conviction based

11-12  on an arrest or on an initial charge for [a sexual] any such offense;

11-13  (b) An arrest or an initial charge for [a sexual] any such offense that is

11-14  pending at the time of the request; or

11-15  (c) Two or more incidents resulting in arrest or initial charge for [a

11-16  sexual] any such offense that have not resulted in a conviction.

11-17  3.  If a search of the records of the central repository reveals no

11-18  information for which notice is subject to release, the central repository

11-19  shall submit the fingerprints of the employee to the Federal Bureau of

11-20  Investigation for a search of its records of criminal history. The central

11-21  repository shall review all information received from the Federal Bureau of

11-22  Investigation. Notice of any information received from the Federal Bureau

11-23  of Investigation may be disseminated only if the information is of a kind

11-24  for which notice is subject to release pursuant to this section.

11-25  4.  Within 30 days after receipt of a request by an employer for notice

11-26  of information relating to [sexual offenses,] the offenses listed in

11-27  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190, the central repository shall send a written

11-28  report of the results of the search to the employer and to the employee,

11-29  except that if the employee has waived his right to receive the results of the

11-30  search, the report must be sent only to the employer. If the search revealed:

11-31  (a) No information for which notice is subject to release, the report must

11-32  include a statement to that effect; or

11-33  (b) Information about the employee for which notice is subject to

11-34  release, the report must include a notice of the type of information, limited

11-35  to the descriptions set forth in subsection 2, revealed by the search. The

11-36  notice must not include any further facts or details concerning the

11-37  information. A statement of the purpose for which the notice is being

11-38  disseminated, and the procedures by which the employee might challenge

11-39  the accuracy and sufficiency of the information, must also be included with

11-40  the report.

11-41  5.  Upon receipt of corrected information relating to [sexual] the

11-42  offenses listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 for which notice was

11-43  disseminated under this section, the central repository shall send written

11-44  notice of the correction to:

11-45  (a) The employee who was the subject of the search, unless the

11-46  employee has waived his right to receive such a notice;

 

 


12-1  (b) All employers to whom notice of the results of the search were

12-2  disseminated within 3 months before the correction; and

12-3  (c) Upon request of the employee, any other employers who previously

12-4  received the information.

12-5  6.  Upon receipt of new information relating to [sexual] the offenses

12-6  listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 concerning an employee who was

12-7  the subject of a search within the previous 3 months, for which notice is

12-8  subject to dissemination under this section, the central repository shall send

12-9  written notice of the information to:

12-10  (a) The employee who was the subject of the search, unless the

12-11  employee has waived his right to receive such a notice;

12-12  (b) All employers to whom a report of the results of the search were

12-13  disseminated within 3 months before the correction; and

12-14  (c) Upon request of the employee, any other employers who previously

12-15  received a report of the results of the search.

12-16  Sec. 13.  NRS 179A.230 is hereby amended to read as follows:

12-17  179A.230  1.  A person who is the subject of a request for notice of

12-18  information [relating to sexual offenses] pursuant to NRS 179A.190 to

12-19  179A.240, inclusive, may recover his actual damages in a civil action

12-20  against:

12-21  (a) The central repository for an intentional or grossly negligent:

12-22     (1) Dissemination of information relating to [sexual] the offenses

12-23  listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 not authorized for dissemination;

12-24  or

12-25     (2) Release of information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in

12-26  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 to a person not authorized to receive the

12-27  information;

12-28  (b) The central repository for an intentional or grossly negligent failure

12-29  to correct any notice of information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed

12-30  in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 which was disseminated pursuant to

12-31  NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive; or

12-32  (c) An employer, representative of an employer or employee for an

12-33  intentional or grossly negligent violation of NRS 179A.110. Punitive

12-34  damages may be awarded against an employer, representative of an

12-35  employer or employee whose violation of NRS 179A.110 is malicious.

12-36  2.  An employer is liable to a child served by the employer for damages

12-37  suffered by the child as a result of [a sexual] an offense listed in

12-38  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 committed against the child by an

12-39  employee [hired on or after January 1, 1988,] if, at the time the employer

12-40  hired the employee, the employee was the subject of information relating to

12-41  [sexual] the offenses for which notice was available for dissemination to

12-42  the employer and the employer:

12-43  (a) Failed, without good cause, to request notice of the information

12-44  pursuant to NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive; or

12-45  (b) Was unable to obtain the information because the employee refused

12-46  to consent to the search and release of the information, and the employer

12-47  hired or retained the employee despite this refusal.

12-48  The amount of damages for which an employer is liable pursuant to this

12-49  subsection must be reduced by the amount of damages recovered by the


13-1  child in an action against the employee for damages sustained as a result of

13-2  [the sexual offense.] an offense listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190.

13-3  3.  An action pursuant to this section must be brought within 3 years

13-4  after:

13-5  (a) The occurrence upon which the action is based; or

13-6  (b) The date upon which the party bringing the action became aware or

13-7  reasonably should have become aware of the occurrence, whichever was

13-8  earlier, if he was not aware of the occurrence at the time of the occurrence.

13-9  4.  This section does not limit or affect any other rights, claims or

13-10  causes of action arising by statute or common law.

13-11  Sec. 14.  NRS 179A.240 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-12  179A.240  A person who knowingly and willfully:

13-13  1.  Uses NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive, to obtain or seek to

13-14  obtain information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in subsection 4

13-15  of NRS 179A.190 under false pretenses;

13-16  2.  Disseminates or attempts to disseminate information relating to

13-17  [sexual] the offenses listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 that he

13-18  knows was not received in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;

13-19  or

13-20  3.  Disseminates or attempts to disseminate information relating to

13-21  [sexual] the offenses listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 that he

13-22  knows is false, inaccurate or incomplete,

13-23  is guilty of a misdemeanor.

13-24  Sec. 15.  NRS 179A.310 is hereby amended to read as follows:

13-25  179A.310  1.  The revolving account to investigate the background of

13-26  volunteers who work with children is hereby created in the state general

13-27  fund.

13-28  2.  The director of the department shall administer the account to

13-29  investigate the background of volunteers who work with children. The

13-30  money in the account must be expended only to pay the costs of the central

13-31  repository to process requests from nonprofit agencies to determine

13-32  whether a volunteer of a nonprofit agency who works directly with

13-33  children or a prospective volunteer of the nonprofit agency who will work

13-34  directly with children has committed [a sexual offense.] an offense listed

13-35  in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190. The existence of the account to

13-36  investigate the background of volunteers who work with children does not

13-37  create a right in any person to receive money from the account.

13-38  3.  The director of the department may apply for and accept any gift,

13-39  donation, bequest, grant or other source of money. Any money so received

13-40  must be deposited in the account to investigate the background of

13-41  volunteers who work with children.

13-42  4.  The interest and income earned on money in the account from any

13-43  gift, donation[,]  or bequest, after deducting any applicable charges, must

13-44  be credited to the account. Money from any gift, donation[,]  or bequest

13-45  that remains in the account at the end of the fiscal year does not revert to

13-46  the state general fund, and the balance in the account must be carried

13-47  forward to the next fiscal year.


14-1  5.  The director of the department shall adopt regulations to carry out

14-2  the provisions of this section. The regulations must include, without

14-3  limitation:

14-4  (a) The procedure by which a person may apply for a grant of money

14-5  from the account to investigate the background of volunteers who work

14-6  with children;

14-7  (b) The criteria that the department will consider in determining

14-8  whether to award such a grant of money from the account; and

14-9  (c) Procedures to distribute the money in the account in a fair and

14-10  equitable manner.

14-11  6.  The following facts must not be considered as evidence of

14-12  negligence or causation in any civil action brought against a nonprofit

14-13  agency:

14-14  (a) The fact that the nonprofit agency did not apply for a grant of money

14-15  from the account.

14-16  (b) The fact that the nonprofit agency did not request that the central

14-17  repository, through the use of the account, determine whether a volunteer

14-18  or prospective volunteer of the nonprofit agency has committed [a sexual

14-19  offense.] an offense listed in subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190.

14-20  Sec. 16.  NRS 179B.250 is hereby amended to read as follows:

14-21  179B.250  1.  The department shall, in a manner prescribed by the

14-22  director, establish within the central repository a program to provide the

14-23  public with access to certain information contained in the statewide

14-24  registry. The program may include, but is not limited to, the use of a secure

14-25  website on the Internet or other electronic means of communication to

14-26  provide the public with access to certain information contained in the

14-27  statewide registry if such information is made available and disclosed in

14-28  accordance with the procedures set forth in this section.

14-29  2.  Before a search of the statewide registry is conducted on behalf of a

14-30  requester seeking information from the program, the requester must

14-31  provide his name, address and telephone number and the following

14-32  information concerning the identity of the subject of the search:

14-33  (a) The name of the subject of the search and at least one of the

14-34  following items:

14-35     (1) The social security number of the subject of the search;

14-36     (2) The identification number from a driver’s license or an

14-37  identification card issued to the subject of the search by this state; or

14-38     (3) The date of birth of the subject of the search; or

14-39  (b) The name and address of the subject of the search and all of the

14-40  following items:

14-41     (1) The race or ethnicity of the subject of the search;

14-42     (2) The hair color and eye color of the subject of the search;

14-43     (3) The approximate height and weight of the subject of the search;

14-44  and

14-45     (4) The approximate age of the subject of the search.

14-46  After conducting a search based upon information provided pursuant to

14-47  paragraph (a) or (b), the central repository may require the requester to

14-48  provide additional information to confirm the identity of the subject of the

14-49  search. The additional information may include, but is not limited to, the


15-1  license number from a motor vehicle frequently driven by the subject of the

15-2  search, the employer of the subject of the search or any information listed

15-3  in paragraph (a) or (b) that was not provided for the initial search.

15-4  3.  After conducting a search of the statewide registry on behalf of a

15-5  requester, the central repository shall inform the requester that:

15-6  (a) No person listed in the statewide registry matches the information

15-7  provided by the requester concerning the identity of the subject of the

15-8  search;

15-9  (b) The requester needs to provide additional information concerning

15-10  the identity of the subject of the search before the central repository may

15-11  disclose the results of the search; or

15-12  (c) A person listed in the statewide registry matches the information

15-13  provided by the requester concerning the identity of the subject of the

15-14  search. If a search of the statewide registry results in a match pursuant to

15-15  this paragraph, the central repository:

15-16     (1) Shall inform the requester of each offense for which the subject of

15-17  the search was convicted and the date and location of each conviction.

15-18     (2) May, through the use of a secure website on the Internet or other

15-19  electronic means of communication, provide the requester with a

15-20  photographic image of the subject of the search if such an image is

15-21  available.

15-22     (3) Shall not provide the requester with any other information that is

15-23  included in the record of registration for the subject of the search.

15-24  4.  For each inquiry to the program, the central repository shall:

15-25  (a) Charge a fee to the requester;

15-26  (b) Maintain a log of the information provided by the requester to the

15-27  central repository and the information provided by the central repository to

15-28  the requester; and

15-29  (c) Inform the requester that information obtained through the program

15-30  may not be used to violate the law or the individual rights of another

15-31  person and that such misuse of information obtained through the program

15-32  may subject the requester to criminal prosecution or civil liability for

15-33  damages.

15-34  5.  A person may not use information obtained through the program as

15-35  a substitute for information relating to [sexual] the offenses listed in

15-36  subsection 4 of NRS 179A.190 that must be provided by the central

15-37  repository pursuant to NRS 179A.190 to 179A.240, inclusive, or another

15-38  provision of law.

15-39  Sec. 17.  NRS 179A.065 is hereby repealed.

15-40  Sec. 18.   The amendatory provisions of section 14 of this act do not

15-41  apply to offenses committed before July 1, 2001.

15-42  Sec. 19.  This act becomes effective on July 1, 2001.


 

 

16-1  TEXT OF REPEALED SECTION

 

 

16-2    179A.065  “Information relating to sexual offenses” defined. 

16-3  “Information relating to sexual offenses” means information contained in

16-4  or concerning a record of criminal history, or the records of criminal

16-5  history of the United States or another state, relating in any way to a sexual

16-6  offense.

 

16-7  H