Bill > SB460

This bill modifies provisions relating to public school background checks by expanding and clarifying requirements for criminal background checks for school personnel and volunteers. The bill defines a "screened volunteer" as an uncompensated person who may be left alone with students and requires such volunteers to undergo a criminal background check before being alone with students. The legislation broadens background check requirements to include not just traditional employees like teachers and administrators, but also extends to school bus drivers and other vehicle drivers used for student transportation. The bill mandates that background checks include searches of electronic public indexes and requires fingerprint submission to both state (Missouri Highway Patrol) and federal (FBI) databases. School districts and charter schools must ensure these checks are conducted for all personnel with student contact, with provisions for annual rechecking of criminal, sexual offender, and child abuse registries. The bill also allows background checks to be valid for at least one year and transferable between school districts, and includes protections for school officials reporting potential issues. Notably, the bill provides some flexibility for recently retired teachers and allows school districts discretion in conducting additional background checks beyond the minimum requirements.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=23140