Requires employees of private entity with access to student information under contract with DOE, school districts, or charter schools to undergo criminal background check.
Impact
If passed, A403 would amend the existing statutory framework concerning criminal history record checks for employees in educational settings by expanding the scope to include private entities. This change will set stringent standards for who can access student information, aligning with the current protocols already in place for public school employees. Under this act, private entities will be prohibited from engaging with school systems unless they can verify that employees do not possess any criminal record that would disqualify them under New Jersey law.
Summary
A403 aims to enhance the protection of student information by requiring that employees of private entities who have access to this sensitive data undergo criminal background checks. This bill applies specifically to contracts made between the Department of Education, school districts, and charter schools with private entities, particularly those providing services that involve monitoring student social media activities or handling student records. The intention is to prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal histories from being employed in positions where they could potentially misuse student information.
Contention
Notably, the implementation of this bill could raise several points of contention, particularly concerning privacy rights and the administrative burden it imposes on private entities. Critics may argue that requiring background checks could limit the pool of available talent for educational support roles, particularly in smaller, less resourced organizations that lack the means to conduct such checks effectively. Furthermore, the stipulation that individuals bear the cost of their background checks may deter some from applying, potentially exacerbating staffing shortages in educational support roles.
Requires certain employees and candidates for public school employment or service and youth camp employees to undergo child abuse record information check.
Requires certain employees and candidates for public school employment or service and youth camp employees to undergo child abuse record information check.
Requires public schools, and nonpublic schools which receive federal funding, to provide students with information on rights afforded under Title IX, and provide contact information for Title IX coordinator.
Requires background checks and fingerprinting of certain construction contractors working in school facilities; requires the contractors to run such background checks.
An Act To Amend Title 19 Of The Delaware Code Related To Criminal Background Checks For Department Of Labor Employees, Contractors, And Subcontractors With Access To Confidential Or Sensitive Information.
Establishes "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requires periodic criminal background checks for certain school employees; and prohibits interference with school bus monitoring devices.