Minnesota

Background check laws in MN:

Minnesota Statutes 2003 13.02 subdivision 2 – Form; copy

The disclosure required under subdivision 1 must be in writing and must be provided to the consumer before the consumer report is obtained or caused to be prepared. If a written application is provided for employment purposes by an employer or prospective employer, the disclosure must be included in or accompany the application. The disclosure must include a box that the person may check off and return to receive a copy of the consumer report. If the consumer requests a copy of the report, the person requesting the report shall request the person preparing the report to provide a copy to the consumer. The report must be sent to the consumer by the person preparing the report within 24 hours of providing it to the person requesting the report.

181.645 EXPENSES FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS, TESTING, AND ORIENTATION.

Except as provided by section 123B.03 or as otherwise specifically provided by law, an employer or a prospective employer may not require an employee or prospective employee to pay for expenses incurred in criminal or background checks, credit checks, or orientation.

In other words:

Under this provision, employers in Minnesota must (1) provide applicants written disclosure before ordering a background report; and (2) include a box on the disclosure that the applicant can check off to receive a copy of the report. If a copy is requested, the CRA that made the report must send the applicant a copy of the report within 24 hours and free of charge.

In other words:

The employer cannot require the applicant or employee to pay the cost associated with procuring a background report.