The bill mandates comprehensive criminal history record checks for all school employees, requiring fingerprinting and a fee to cover the costs of these checks. School districts have the option to pay the fee on behalf of applicants, and those who do not comply will be ineligible for a license or certificate. Existing employees must undergo these checks every five years, with specific provisions for those hired before and after July 1, 2025. Employees convicted of certain offenses are required to report their convictions to the school district within 30 days, with failure to do so classified as a class B nonperson misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill establishes a reimbursement fund for criminal history check costs and clarifies the release of criminal history information to state agencies for employment and licensing purposes. It prohibits the state board of education from issuing or renewing licenses for individuals convicted of serious offenses, including sexual crimes and violent felonies, and outlines the revocation process for existing licenses. The bill also introduces confidentiality provisions for criminal history records, ensuring they are not subject to the Kansas Open Records Act until July 1, 2029, and establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Certain existing statutes related to these processes are repealed to streamline the legal framework governing educational employee licensing and criminal background checks.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-4714, 72-2165, 72-4223