As of September 2003, any "in-home service company" or residential delivery company in Texas now must obtain criminal background checks on employees who enter consumers' homes. This is in accordance with Texas House Bill 660, which "gives specific authority to all licensing and regulatory agencies in Texas to perform both DPS and FBI criminal history record checks."

The background checks may be obtained from either the State Department of Public Safety (DPS) or a DPS-approved private background company. The bill does not require background checks for employees that perform these services in a commercial setting.

According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association (PHCC), "Pre-employment screening is one of the best ways to help avoid hiring the wrong people." As a member benefit, PHCC members may receive discounted background checks on employees through ADP Screening and Selection Services.

For more information, call 888-606-7869 and mention that you are a PHCC member or visit the company's Web site at www.adp.com.

Publication date: 01/12/2004