Bill > A1611

This bill establishes a voluntary central registry for conducting criminal background checks on employees and volunteers of youth serving organizations, such as sports teams, leagues, and athletic associations. The central registry, to be managed by the Department of Law and Public Safety, will serve as a clearinghouse for collecting and sharing background check information. Organizations can choose to participate by registering and paying a fee, with background checks required at least every two years for each employee or volunteer. The background checks will be conducted by the State Bureau of Identification, examining state and federal criminal records to identify disqualifying crimes, which include offenses involving danger to persons, crimes against families or children, theft, and certain drug-related offenses. The registry will maintain records of each individual's qualification status, allowing participating organizations to easily verify an employee or volunteer's background check results. Individuals must provide written consent and pay for their own background checks, and the bill ensures that background check fees will not exceed the actual cost of conducting the check. The Attorney General will develop regulations for implementing the registry, including guidelines for accessing and disseminating background check information and establishing uniform disqualification criteria.

Education, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A1611