TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Paul A. Sarlo to require international matchmaking companies to submit to criminal background checks as a way to increase homeland security was approved by the Senate Labor Committee today.
“In post 9-11 times, we have the responsibility to protect our citizens by doing background checks on international businesses that bring foreigners into our State,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “This bill will enhance homeland security by preventing people with criminal backgrounds from owning or working for organizations which bring non-residents to New Jersey. By investigating these owners and operators we can hopefully prevent these organizations from being used as a means of facilitating terrorism.”
The bill, S-1813, would require any owner or employee of an international matchmaking organization to apply for certification from the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and submit to a criminal background check to operate in New Jersey.
The bill would also require DCA to certify applicants unless they have been convicted of crimes involving terrorism, prostitution, controlled dangerous substances, homicide, assault, kidnapping, sexual offense and robbery.
“The bill would require all international matchmaking organizations doing business in the State to provide their members with the telephone numbers for the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline,” said Senator Sarlo. “The international matchmaking company would also have to obtain a criminal history background check for all of their clients before providing any services.”
The bill now head to the full Senate for consideration.
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