University of California: employees, volunteers, and contractors: background checks.

Assembly Member Hoover's proposal to mandate Department of Justice background checks for University of California personnel would establish new screening requirements for employees, volunteers, and contractors with access to sensitive areas or information. The measure creates uniform standards for vetting individuals who handle master keys, oversee safety and security, manage controlled substances, or access protected data across UC facilities.

The background check requirements would apply to prospective employees and volunteers whose duties include operating commercial vehicles or toxic systems, managing financial transactions, accessing proprietary information, or working in UC medical facilities. The screening process involves submitting fingerprint images to the Department of Justice for state and federal criminal history verification during the final stages of candidate selection. For contractors, any service agreements entered into, renewed, or amended after January 1, 2026 must include provisions requiring similar background checks for personnel accessing sensitive materials or areas.

The measure authorizes the University of California to review criminal history information when making final determinations about an individual's fitness to perform duties involving access to protected resources. The Department of Justice would provide state and federal background check results to UC officials in accordance with existing protocols under the Penal Code. While the bill creates new procedural requirements, it operates within UC's existing administrative framework without requiring additional state appropriations.