The bill mandates comprehensive criminal history record checks for all school employees, requiring fingerprinting and a fee to cover the costs of these checks. It allows school districts to pay the fee on behalf of applicants and outlines penalties for non-compliance, including the denial of licenses or certificates. Employees hired before July 1, 2025, must undergo checks every five years, while those hired after that date will be checked every five years from their start date. Additionally, employees with certain criminal convictions are required to report these to their school district within 30 days.

To support these measures, the bill establishes a reimbursement fund for criminal history check costs and amends existing laws to facilitate the release of criminal history information to state agencies for employment and licensing purposes. It prohibits the issuance or renewal of 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 new reporting requirements for individuals with specified offenses and includes provisions for confidentiality and penalties for unauthorized disclosure of criminal history records, thereby enhancing the safety and integrity of educational environments.

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