This bill mandates that all employees, volunteers, 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 at least once a year. The definition of a youth serving organization has been expanded to encompass both nonprofit and for-profit entities that provide recreational, cultural, charitable, or social services to minors. The bill stipulates that individuals 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 to the youth serving organization.

Additionally, the bill 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. It also establishes criminal penalties for employees or volunteers who knowingly participate in a youth serving organization despite being disqualified due to their criminal history, as well as for organizers who ignore or fail to obtain necessary background checks. These offenses are classified as fourth-degree crimes, which carry potential imprisonment of up to 18 months and fines of up to $10,000.

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