This bill aims to clarify and enhance the criminal history record check requirements for individuals involved in construction or public works activities within school buildings. It prohibits the New Jersey Schools Development Authority and educational institutions from employing or contracting with any general contractor, subcontractor, or worker who may work on school property while school is in session unless they can demonstrate that no disqualifying criminal history exists. The bill also mandates that third-party contractors provide a list of employees who have undergone the required criminal history checks. Additionally, it increases penalties for non-compliance with these requirements, raising fines from a maximum of $500 to $1,000 for the first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses, with further restrictions on third-party contractors who violate these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill requires each school district to review and update its visitor policy to ensure proper registration of contractors and workers entering school buildings. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with applying the same standards for determining eligibility for public school employment as outlined in existing law. The bill also calls for revisions to the School Safety and Security Manual to assist districts in implementing these updated policies. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the safety and security of school environments by ensuring that individuals with potentially disqualifying criminal histories are not permitted access to school facilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:6-7.1, 18A:6-7.2, 18A:6-7.5