California continues to modernize its licensing and public safety systems, and Senate Bill 160
(SB 160) is a major step forward. This bill significantly expands and standardizes live scan
fingerprint-based background checks across a wide range of professions. For full legislative details on California SB 160 (Chaptered 2025), you can review the official bill text here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB160
What SB 160 Does Overall
SB 160 requires more individuals across California to undergo fingerprint-based background checks through the California Department of Justice (DOJ), including both:
State-level criminal history checks, and Federal (FBI) background checks. In simple terms: More professionals, employees, and even some volunteers must now complete the Live Scan fingerprinting process before they can be licensed, hired, or approved. This creates a uniform, statewide standard for background screening.
- Medical and Health Professionals
SB 160 expands fingerprint requirements across many healthcare roles. Applicants in these fields must now complete DOJ and FBI background checks, including but not limited to:
-Physicians (Medical Board of California)
-Osteopathic physicians
-Midwives
-Psychologists
-Psychological associates and testing technicians
-Behavioral sciences professionals (e.g., Marriage & Family Therapists)
-Certain specialized medical technicians
- Investigative and Security-Related Professions
SB 160 also applies to several industries tied to public trust and asset security, including but not
limited to:
-Private investigators
-Repossession agency licensees and employees
-Household movers
-Yacht and ship brokers/salespersons
- Education and Public Institutions
SB 160 also expands background check authority in educational settings, including:
-California Department of Education staff, contractors, and volunteers
-California State University (CSU) personnel
-University of California (UC) prospective employees and volunteers (at final hiring stage)
This helps ensure safer environments for students and vulnerable populations
- Law Enforcement Requirements
SB 160 reinforces background screening in law enforcement by requiring:
-All peace officers and applicants to submit fingerprints
-Mandatory DOJ processing for state and federal criminal history checks
This adds consistency and strengthens public safety standards statewide.
- What’s Changing Technically
SB 160 modernizes the fingerprinting process by removing outdated fingerprint card language and requiring digital submission of fingerprint images through Live Scan systems. It also ensures that the DOJ provides both state-level and FBI background check results while allowing the department to charge processing fees. These changes reflect a broader shift toward faster, more accurate, and more secure digital processing.
Bottom Line
Senate Bill 160 represents a significant modernization of California’s background check system by expanding who must be fingerprinted and standardizing how those fingerprints are processed. By requiring both state and federal criminal history checks across a wider range of professions, the bill ensures that licensing boards, employers, and public agencies are making decisions based on complete and verified information. Ultimately, this leads to a more consistent and reliable screening process across the state, helping protect public safety and maintain professional standards.
What This Means for You
If you are applying for a professional license, seeking employment in healthcare or education,
entering a security-related field, or pursuing a role in law enforcement, SB 160 will likely affect
your application process. In many cases, you will now be required to complete Live Scan
fingerprinting as part of your eligibility. This means planning ahead, ensuring you have the
correct forms, and working with a provider that can submit your fingerprints accurately and
efficiently to avoid delays.
Need Live Scan Services?
At Capital Live Scan, we help individuals and businesses navigate California’s evolving
fingerprinting requirements with confidence. As laws like SB 160 expand the need for DOJ and
FBI background checks, having a reliable Live Scan provider becomes more important than ever. Our team ensures that your fingerprints are captured and submitted correctly, helping you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary processing delays. Whether you are applying for a license, a new job, or a volunteer position, we provide fast, professional, and DOJ-compliant Live Scan services you can trust.
Stay ahead of the new requirements and get your Live Scan done today! No appointment needed!
Ready to get fingerprinted? Find your nearest Capital Live Scan location — walk-ins welcome.