Fingerprinting, criminal history record background check for employees of licensed bounty hunter

9. a. Each person seeking employment by a licensed bounty hunter pursuant to the provisions of this act 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 person has furnished written consent to such check. Anyone who refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a check of criminal history record background information shall not be considered for employment by the licensee. The prospective employee 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 person'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. A person who is required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act shall not knowingly employ in any capacity whatsoever any person who 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 employment of the person by the licensee would be contrary to the public interest, as determined by the superintendent. c. A person who is required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act who employs any person for whom a criminal history record background check required by this section has not been performed or whom the licensee knows has been convicted of a disqualifying crime or offense as set forth in this section shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree in addition to any other crime or offense specified by applicable law. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.