Statewide standard proposed for applications for work cards

Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, proposed the work card law after learning her constituents must apply for new work cards if they leave Reno casinos to take jobs in neighboring Sparks, or unincorporated parts of Washoe County.

"It is a hassle for casino employees and costs a lot," she said. "They need three different work cards for three places. We need to standardize the process."

But Leslie also wants more thorough background checks of work card applicants, particularly those in the Las Vegas area.

Each check of the state criminal records repository costs $15. An FBI fingerprint background check adds $24 to the tab.

In Las Vegas, work cards from the Metropolitan Police Department cost $35. But police generally only check local records to determine if an applicant has been convicted of a felony. The additional state and FBI checks would make obtaining a work card $74, the rate charged by Washoe County Sheriff Richard Kirkland.

"I like the way the Washoe County sheriff does it," Leslie said. "He does a thorough background check. My understanding is Metro does only a local scope. That only shows if a person has a felony in the Las Vegas area."

Because Las Vegas police don't check outside records, Clark County casinos can't be sure if potential hires are clean of felonies, according to Dennis DeBacco, the administrator of the state criminal records repository.

He said he gets thousands of requests for state repository checks from Las Vegas casinos, which foot any added costs.

"There shouldn't be a need for an employer to do the check," DeBacco said. "Hotels should feel comfortable that people with work cards are clean. But now, knowing a person has a work card in Clark County doesn't mean he is clean."

But Las Vegas police Lt. Tim Leveque said his staff does more than an adequate job checking the backgrounds of people applying for work cards.

Leslie anticipates costs could drop if the FBI and state repository checks were required of all gaming employees in Nevada. She hopes for a five-year, $50 work card that could be used throughout the state.

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