The proposed bill would update current statutes by replacing the existing requirement for noncertificated personnel in school districts and charter schools to be fingerprinted with a mandate to obtain a fingerprint clearance card. This change broadens the scope of individuals subject to these regulations by eliminating exemptions for certain school personnel and extending the requirement to all charter school personnel not already covered. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of noncertificated personnel to include those providing direct services to students and removes the definition of "supervised."

Moreover, the bill appropriates $1,200,000 from the state General Fund for FY 2026 to the State Board of Education for investigating complaints of immoral or unprofessional conduct and establishing disciplinary procedures. It mandates statewide and federal criminal history checks for applicants before hiring and allows for the hiring of noncertificated personnel before the results of a fingerprint check are received, under certain conditions. The bill also requires school districts to report on hiring applicants prior to completing fingerprint checks, ensuring compliance with the new requirements while streamlining the process for obtaining fingerprint clearance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-106, 15-183, 15-505, 15-512, 41-1758.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 41-1758.03, 114-95, 108-446, 15-550, 15-203, 15-741.01, 15-213, 1-216, 15-914, 11-952.01, 41-621.01, 41-1092.08, 3-365, 15-808, 15-154, 15-771, 15-513
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-106, 15-183, 15-505, 15-512, 41-1758.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 41-1758.03, 114-95, 108-446, 15-550, 15-203, 15-741.01, 15-213, 1-216, 15-914, 11-952.01, 41-621.01, 41-1092.08, 3-365, 15-808, 15-154, 15-771, 15-513