Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Impact
The implementation of this bill is expected to enhance the safety measures surrounding youth-serving organizations by ensuring thorough background checks on anyone working with children. It maintains existing disqualification criteria for individuals with certain criminal records, specifically those involving violent crimes or offenses against children. This centralized approach aims to simplify compliance for organizations while ensuring that individuals with disqualifying criminal histories are excluded from working with youth, thereby reinforcing public trust in such organizations and their personnel.
Summary
Senate Bill 542 establishes the 'Youth Serving Organization Central Registry,' which aims to provide a central system for conducting background checks on employees and volunteers working with youth organizations. The bill revises existing legislation to streamline the background check process, allowing youth-serving organizations to participate in the registry after registering with the appropriate state department and paying a registration fee. Additionally, it mandates that background checks be conducted on all current and prospective employees or volunteers, ensuring the safety of young individuals involved in these organizations.
Sentiment
General sentiment towards S542 appears to be supportive, particularly among proponents who emphasize the importance of safeguarding youth. Supporters argue that the establishment of a central registry will create a more reliable and efficient process for conducting background checks, thus promoting child welfare. However, there might be reservations regarding the potential costs associated with conducting these checks, as the responsibility for payment lies with the prospective employees or volunteers, which could deter some individuals from pursuing positions within these organizations.
Contention
While the bill primarily garners support due to its protective nature, some concerns have been raised about the burden of financial responsibility placed on individuals undergoing background checks. Critics may argue that this could limit access to opportunities within youth-serving organizations, particularly for volunteers who may not have the financial resources to cover these costs. Additionally, questions may arise around the administration of the central registry and the process by which disqualifiers are determined and communicated to organizations.
Same As
Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Carry Over
Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Carry Over
Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.
Permits court to order transfer of billing responsibility for, and rights to, wireless telephone number to certain victims of domestic violence or stalking.