Generally yes. Service records can only be released under limited circumstances unless you provide authorization (the military can release your name, rank, salary, duty assignments, awards and duty status without your consent). Any request you don’t authorize would have to be made under the federal Freedom of Information Act.

Maybe. When a specific law requires a background check, that law usually outlines the rights employees or applicants have as well. These rights may or may not coincide with those you’d have under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

No, an employer can’t review your credit report in California unless the position falls into an exemption. Exemptions include 

They shouldn’t, but definitions of expungement vary from state to state. The records might not completely disappear and might still be available to law enforcement. There are also data brokers that collect and publish publicly-available information whose websites may not be updated to reflect an expungement (making it possible for someone to come across an expunged record). 

Generally, yes. A school shouldn’t release student records without the authorization of an adult-age student or parent. However, a school may release directory information (for example, your name, address, dates of attendance, degrees earned and activities) unless you’ve opted out.

The screening company has 30 days to investigate after you file your dispute. If you file additional information during that 30 days, the time may be extended by another 15 days (maximum total of 45 days allowed to consider your dispute).

It should not. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you can’t be denied employment based on a criminal record alone. It requires the employer to also consider

• the nature and gravity of the offense or offenses
• the time that has passed since the conviction and completion of the sentence
• the nature of the job held or sought

No, the California Labor Code prohibits an employer from seeking salary history information about an applicant for employment. Salary history information includes both your rate of compensation and information about other benefits. The law applies to all employers (including state and local government). You can voluntarily disclose salary history information to a potential employer.

Yes, you have the right to review your personnel files and make copies of documents you've signed in California. If you're a California state or federal employee, your personnel file can only be disclosed under limited circumstances as it is covered under the California Information Practices Act (state employee) or the federal Privacy Act of 1974 (federal employee).

In California, criminal histories (rap sheets) compiled by law enforcement agencies are not public record. Only certain employers such as public utilities, law enforcement, security guard firms and child care facilities have access to this information.