The bill mandates that the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs conduct state and national criminal background checks for all applicants, employees, and volunteers who will supervise or have control over minors in various youth programs, including the National Guard Youth Challenge and Job Challenge Academies, as well as the Governor's Summer Program. It establishes a process for these background checks, requiring individuals to submit fingerprints for both state and national checks, with the costs borne by the applicants. The results will be used to assess the suitability of individuals for working with minors, and the sharing of this information is restricted to relevant department personnel only.

Additionally, the bill allows the Adjutant General to utilize appropriations and other funding to support youth programs. It also includes provisions for the provisional hiring of applicants pending the completion of their background checks, and outlines the grounds for denial or dismissal based on criminal convictions, particularly those involving sex crimes or offenses against minors. The bill amends existing law to enhance the oversight and safety of youth programs operated by the Department of Military Affairs.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 20-3-2