Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is opposing efforts by the Assembly Majority to move a bill which would prohibit employers from conducting criminal background checks on job applicants without first making a job offer (A.3972). Friend is concerned about employers who serve vulnerable populations such as children, those with disabilities and seniors. The legislation moved through the Assembly Committee on Corrections easily, which will allow it to come to the Assembly floor for a vote.

“The Assembly Majority is making every effort to push through policy to coddle criminals in our state while law-abiding New Yorkers pay the price with their communities left vulnerable and less safe,” said Friend. “Preventing employers having the ability to conduct background checks on job applicants jeopardizes the safety of facilities, especially those serving children, those with disabilities and seniors. This is a clear example of the deteriorating priorities of Majority politicians in our state.”

Friend notes that this legislation is one of many examples where the Majority has been pushing radical policy in relation to convicted criminals. Recently, a bill providing premature parole to 55-year-olds, despite the length of their sentenced incarceration, was pushed by The Assembly Majority (A.4319). Other proposals include pay raises for criminals, allowing felons to serve on juries, electronic tablets for prisoners and more.