Snyder signs legislation requiring background checks

Michigan police academy applicants are now required to submit to fingerprinting and background checks under legislation signed last Friday by Gov. Rick Snyder.

"Requiring background checks and fingerprinting before an individual is admitted into a police academy helps ensure Michiganders are protected by the highest quality law enforcement and public safety officers," Snyder said. "This bill helps maintain the ongoing integrity of Michigan's outstanding law enforcement system and community."

Senate Bill 524, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones, amends the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Act to require fingerprinting and background checks for all applicants prior to entering law enforcement academies. The bill gives MCOLES authority to require applicants to submit his or her fingerprints to the Michigan State Police (MSP) to conduct a criminal history check and requires MSP to conduct a criminal history check through its own records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It is now Public Act 198 of 2017.

Snyder also signed two additional bills:

- Senate Bill 552, sponsored by state Sen. Geoff Hansen, extends the current fee structure for off road vehicle (ORV) licenses and trail permit fees until April 1, 2024. It is now Public Act 199 of 2017.

- House Bill 4802, sponsored by state Rep. Triston Cole, creates a process to help couples who were privately married have their marriage license unsealed and included as part of the vital records maintained on state and local levels, under certain conditions. The bill requires that both married individuals request that the record of their marriage be unsealed and they each be over the age of 18 at the time of filing the petition. It is now Public Act 200 of 2017.

For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.

Published: Tue, Dec 19, 2017

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