This bill mandates that the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) conduct criminal history records checks for individuals serving as officials at athletic events it sanctions. The process requires prospective or current officials to submit their name, address, fingerprints, and written consent to the NJSIAA, which will then coordinate with the Commissioner of Education to request the checks from the State Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The bill specifies that the costs associated with the criminal history records check will be borne by the individual official.

If the criminal history records check reveals a conviction for any disqualifying crime or offense, as outlined in existing law, the individual will be disqualified from serving as an official. Additionally, the State Bureau of Identification is required to inform the commissioner of any pending charges against an official, and if those charges are for disqualifying offenses, the NJSIAA will take appropriate action. Current officials will have 60 days from the effective date of the bill to comply with these new requirements.