Fingerprinting, criminal history record background check for applicants

5. a. Each applicant for licensure as a bounty hunter shall submit to being fingerprinted in accordance with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations for the purpose of a criminal history record background check to be performed by the superintendent. No check of criminal history record background information shall be performed pursuant to this section unless the applicant has furnished written consent to such check. An applicant who refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a check of criminal history record background information shall not be considered for licensure as a bounty hunter. Each applicant shall bear the cost of the criminal history record background check, including all costs of administering and processing the check. The superintendent shall compare the applicant's fingerprints with information on file with the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation consistent with applicable State and federal laws, rules and regulations. b. No person shall be licensed as a bounty hunter under the provisions of this act if the person has been convicted, as indicated by a criminal history record background check performed pursuant to the provisions of this section, of: (1) a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree; (2) an offense involving the unlawful use, possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2; or (3) an offense where the issuance of a license would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the superintendent.