Clean Slate Initiative
The Clean Slate initiative automatically seals certain non-violent conviction records if a person has remained conviction-free for a period of time (seven years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies).
Universal will continue to provide information that is reportable by state and federal laws.
States that are part of this initiate are as follows:
• PA
• UT
• NJ
• MI (Please see below)
• CT
• DE
• VA
• OK
• CO
• CA
Michigan Counties Update:
The following Michigan jurisdictions are currently not conducting searches either at the District or Circuit Court level:
Alger and St. Joseph
A Michigan Statewide Criminal Court Search can be ordered as an alternative. Please check with your legal counsel before making any changes to your packages.
Please click on the below link for additional information by state.
Learn more
Universal will continue to provide information that is reportable by state and federal laws.
States that are part of this initiate are as follows:
• PA
• UT
• NJ
• MI (Please see below)
• CT
• DE
• VA
• OK
• CO
• CA
Michigan Counties Update:
The following Michigan jurisdictions are currently not conducting searches either at the District or Circuit Court level:
Alger and St. Joseph
A Michigan Statewide Criminal Court Search can be ordered as an alternative. Please check with your legal counsel before making any changes to your packages.
Please click on the below link for additional information by state.
Learn more
Updated FCRA Summary of Rights Notice Released
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released an updated “Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” notice for consumer reporting agencies and background check users to incorporate into their screening processes. While the Final Rule was set to take effect on April 19, 2023, the CFPB provided a grace period for mandatory compliance until March 20, 2024.
Universal Background Screening is in the process of updating the Summary of Rights form in all locations where this is housed. A further update will be posted once the change is fully implemented.
Universal Background Screening is in the process of updating the Summary of Rights form in all locations where this is housed. A further update will be posted once the change is fully implemented.
Kings County CA Court Fee
Effective May 30th, 2023, the court fee for Kings County searches will increase to $15 per search.
Respirator Mask Shipments Service
Universal is excited to announce the launch of our shipment service for respirator masks. We have a large and growing inventory of masks, and can ship direct to your traveler or candidate! If interested, please contact your Sales Executive for more information.
NY County Searches
The following NY counties can only be completed at a statewide level:
Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond
As of March 1, 2023 the following NY Counties are also completed through the NY Statewide and cannot be processed as a county: Alleghany, Cayuga, Chemung, Fulton, Nassau, Orleans
Please note the NY SW covers all 62 counties in NY
Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond
As of March 1, 2023 the following NY Counties are also completed through the NY Statewide and cannot be processed as a county: Alleghany, Cayuga, Chemung, Fulton, Nassau, Orleans
Please note the NY SW covers all 62 counties in NY
California Delays caused by DOB Redaction
On June 21, 2021, several CA courts have redacted DOB from their public index and files due to a 4th Appellate District Court, Court of Appeal, Division One, State of CA opinion.
We are still able to conduct name-based searches. Due to the redaction, researchers are having to use alternative methods to obtain DOB, where possible, therefore causing delays. These delays will impact County Criminal searches and Nationwide Database searches.
Counties with redactions: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernadino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Tulare, Ventura
We are still able to conduct name-based searches. Due to the redaction, researchers are having to use alternative methods to obtain DOB, where possible, therefore causing delays. These delays will impact County Criminal searches and Nationwide Database searches.
Counties with redactions: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Lassen, Los Angeles, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernadino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Tulare, Ventura
MD Counties and SW Delayed
Please expect delays while the courts are undergoing an update to the case management system. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
Illinois Statewide Criminal Searches - Delays
We are experiencing extensive delays with Statewide Illinois criminal searches being processed. ETA's are not available at this time. We will provide updates as soon as new information is received. Please expect these searches to be very delayed.
NC County and Statewide Delays
Please expect delays for all NC County & Statewide searches as the North Carolina Administration of Courts (AOC) is undergoing a change in the case management system.
SUSPENDED SERVICES
Effective immediately, all verification services out of the Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria are being suspended. Criminal searches are currently not available in the Ukraine and Afghanistan at this time as well
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify you when we are able to reinstate services.
We will continue to monitor the situation and notify you when we are able to reinstate services.
Kansas Child and Adult Abuse Search - Delays
6.5.23 - Please be advised that there are currently delays with the Kansas Child and Adult Abuse searches. The state has not provided an ETA for normal turnaround times resuming. Please expect delays at this time.