The bill amends existing laws to enhance the verification process for the identity and employment eligibility of individuals applying for licensure in educational settings, including school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. It mandates that the board of educational examiners conduct background investigations on all initial applicants for licensure, requiring them to submit a completed fingerprint packet for a national criminal history background check. Additionally, the board will have access to various registries and databases to review information related to applicants for license renewal and may charge a fee for this review.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that requires the board of directors of each school district and the authorities of accredited nonpublic schools to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals who have accepted job offers, in accordance with federal law. It specifies that all initial applicants and those seeking license renewal must provide evidence of their legal authorization to work in the United States, with acceptable documentation outlined in the bill. The applicability of these requirements will take effect for all applications submitted after the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.146, 692A.121, 280.37
Reprinted: 256.146, 692A.121, 280.37