The bill amends existing provisions regarding the criminal background investigation requirements for employees of accredited schools in South Dakota. It specifies that individuals over eighteen years of age hired by an accredited school must undergo a criminal background investigation, which includes fingerprint checks by the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The bill allows accredited schools to withdraw job offers or terminate temporary employment without notice if a disqualifying record is found. Additionally, it clarifies that student teachers must also undergo background checks, which can be shared among accredited schools where they engage in student teaching.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that employees working for multiple accredited schools are only required to obtain one background investigation if it was conducted within the last five years. The results can be transferred to other accredited schools upon written request and authorization. It also reinforces that accredited schools may refuse to employ individuals convicted of certain crimes, including those involving moral turpitude, violence, sex offenses, or narcotics trafficking. Lastly, it exempts individuals continuously employed by the same accredited school since July 1, 2000, from needing to submit to a new background check.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/19/2025: 13-10-12, 13-10-12.1, 13-10-13, 13-10-14, 13-10-15
House Education Engrossed, 01/26/2026: 13-10-12, 13-10-12.1, 13-10-13, 13-10-14