This bill mandates that all volunteers, employees, and organizers of youth serving organizations, which include sports teams, leagues, and any entity providing activities for individuals under 18, undergo criminal history record background checks. The definition of a youth serving organization has been expanded to encompass both nonprofit and for-profit entities that offer recreational, cultural, charitable, or social services to minors. Each individual associated with these organizations must have a background check conducted at least once a year. However, those who have already undergone a background check through public or nonpublic schools or recognized athletic associations within the same calendar year are exempt from additional checks, provided they submit proof of their prior check.

The bill also introduces civil penalties for organizations that fail to request the required background checks, with fines escalating from $500 for a first offense to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Furthermore, it establishes that knowingly allowing a disqualified individual to participate in a youth serving organization constitutes a fourth-degree crime, as does the failure to act on the results of a background check. This crime carries potential penalties of up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the safety of youth involved in these organizations by ensuring that individuals with disqualifying criminal histories are not permitted to work with or volunteer for them.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15A:3A-1, 15A:3A-2, 15A:3A-3, 15A:3A-4, 15A:3A-5