In the age of information, conducting background checks has become a standard practice for employers across industries. Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) serve as intermediaries that help employers access public records and other data to make informed hiring decisions. However, the standards governing what constitutes “reportable” public information—and the accessibility of this information—varies significantly by state. This blog post explores the standards of reportability for publicly available information, the variations across states, the regulations impacting background checks, and what customers should expect in their reports.