This bill amends the procedures for conducting criminal history records checks for school bus drivers and expands the scope to include school transportation vehicle drivers, school bus monitors, designated volunteers, and contracted service providers. The new legal language specifies that these individuals must submit a criminal history records release form and undergo fingerprinting as part of the background check process. The Department of Education is tasked with implementing a secure system for these checks and is authorized to establish rules regarding the rights of personnel involved in the process. The clearance obtained from these checks will be valid for five years.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific disqualifications for individuals with certain criminal charges or convictions, particularly those related to drug offenses or crimes involving children. It prohibits the employment of individuals whose educator credentials have been revoked in New Hampshire or any other state. The Department of Education is also required to adopt rules governing the appeal process for individuals denied clearance based on their criminal history. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is expected to generate up to $25,000 in revenue per year from fees associated with the background checks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 106-B:18-b