The bill amends Title 16 of the General Laws by adding a new chapter, CHAPTER 21.9, which establishes comprehensive requirements for conducting background checks on school employees. It mandates that school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers must not employ individuals in positions involving regular contact with students without first conducting a criminal background check as required by the provisions of 16-2-18.1.

The bill requires applicants to provide detailed employment history, including information about current and former employers, particularly those within the last twenty years where the applicant had direct contact with children. Applicants must also disclose any past investigations related to child abuse or sexual misconduct, as well as any disciplinary actions taken against them.

Penalties are outlined for applicants who willfully provide false information or fail to disclose required information, which may include termination or denial of employment and a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500).

Additionally, the bill stipulates that employers must verify the information provided by applicants within twenty days of receiving a request for information and the applicant's signed authorization. If an out-of-state employer fails to respond to requests for information, the hiring entity is required to seek alternative sources to verify the applicant's employment history.

The act emphasizes the importance of ensuring that individuals hired to work with children possess the appropriate character and fitness, and it includes provisions for handling situations where concerns about an applicant's background arise. The act will take effect upon passage.