New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3395

Introduced
6/6/24  

Caption

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

Impact

If enacted, S3395 will modify existing state laws regarding employment policies in educational settings, particularly affecting the hiring practices of contractors working on school properties. The law will increase the fines for non-compliance with these regulations; first-time offenders will face a fine of up to $1,000, escalating to $5,000 for subsequent violations. Particularly concerning third-party contractors, the bill stipulates that after a third offense, these contractors would become ineligible to bid for or engage in contracts with state agencies for three years, making adherence to the law crucial for business operations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3395 addresses the requirements for criminal history record checks of workers involved in public works activities on school properties in New Jersey. The bill mandates specific procedures for third-party contractors conducting any short-term or long-term work when school is in session. It lays out the necessity for these contractors to submit a list of their employees to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, along with certifications of their compliance with criminal background checks as mandated by existing legislation, reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining safe environments for students and staff.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S3395 may involve balances between enhanced safety regulations and potential operational burdens on contractors. While proponents may argue that stricter enforcement of criminal history checks protects students, critics might contend that these measures could disproportionately affect smaller contractors or delay essential maintenance and construction work needed within school properties. The debate could focus on whether the heightened restrictions will indeed foster a safer environment or whether the changes lead to unnecessary complications in contracting processes.

Companion Bills

NJ A4522

Same As Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

Previously Filed As

NJ S706

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

NJ A3975

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

NJ S3868

Clarifies public school student attendance recording and reporting requirements.

NJ A3385

Clarifies public school student attendance recording and reporting requirements.

NJ HB1051

(New Title) modifying the procedures and requirements for school bus driver criminal history records checks and expanding the personnel subject to such checks.

NJ SB246

Requiring all applicants for teaching licenses and certificates and employees of a school district or public innovative district to submit to a criminal history record check and creating the criminal history record check reimbursement fund for certain state and criminal history record checks conducted by the Kansas department for aging and disability services.

NJ S4267

Revises certain portions of law related to criminal history record check for school employees.

NJ A5161

Revises certain portions of law related to criminal history record check for school employees.

NJ SB842

Schools; requiring school district and charter school governing bodies to request a national criminal history record check for volunteers. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ SB842

Schools; requiring school district and charter school governing bodies to request a national criminal history record check for volunteers. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.