(a) It is unlawful for any employer or prospective employer to require a person to inspect or challenge any criminal history record information relating to that person for the purpose of obtaining a copy of the person’s record in order to qualify for employment.

(b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) or any other provision of this act, an employer may require a job applicant or a prospective independent contractor to sign a release allowing the employer to access the applicant’s or independent contractor’s criminal history record information for purposes of determining the applicant’s fitness for employment.

(d) The bureau may charge an employer a reasonable fee for the preparation of a report detailing such criminal history record information, and pursuant to rules and regulations may establish a fee schedule or charge varying rates depending upon the quantity of information provided.

(e) The bureau shall be immune from any and all claims or causes of action arising from the release of criminal history record information provided to an employer pursuant to a release signed by a job applicant.

(f) No employer shall be liable for any employment decision or decision to enter into a contract with an independent contractor based upon knowledge of such criminal history record information, provided the information that led to the employment or contracting decision reasonably bears upon the independent contractor’s, applicant’s or employee’s trustworthiness, or the safety or well-being of the employer’s employees or customers.