New Hampshire Senate Bill SB39

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/6/23
• Report Pass: 1/10/23
• Engrossed: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/26/23
• Enrolled: 5/23/23
• Chaptered: 6/2/23
• Passed: 6/2/23

Caption

Relative to criminal history checks for school transportation monitors.

Impact

The implications of SB39 are significant as it mandates local school districts to conduct comprehensive criminal history checks for individuals applying to be transportation monitors. This change will likely enhance school safety by ensuring that all personnel interacting with students are thoroughly vetted. Implementation of this bill could lead to increased expenditures for school districts as they bear the cost of conducting these background checks. Although the costs are currently indeterminable, it is anticipated there may be an uptick in revenue generated through more criminal record requests.

Summary

Senate Bill 39 (SB39) is an act aimed at enhancing the safety and regulatory measures surrounding school transportation monitors by requiring criminal history checks for these positions. Prior to the enactment of this bill, school transportation monitors were not subjected to the same scrutiny as other school employees, which has raised concerns regarding student safety. The bill seeks to amend RSA 189:13-a to include transportation monitors in the scrutiny of background checks already required for other school employees, thus closing a loophole in the current law.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB39 took into account the potential for increased financial burdens on local school districts. Proponents argue that ensuring the safety of students is paramount and that the costs associated with these checks are justified by the added layer of protection they provide. However, opposing voices express concern about the financial strain on already limited school budgets, potentially arguing that funding should be allocated elsewhere. Balancing safety with budgetary constraints remains a topic of contention as the bill moves through the legislative process.