Bill > A01604

This bill amends existing laws to provide free criminal history background checks for certain mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations, educational institutions, and school districts. Specifically, the bill modifies provisions related to criminal background checks by eliminating processing fees for mentoring programs defined under specific legal categories, including those incorporated under not-for-profit corporation law, business corporation law, or operated by educational institutions and school districts. The legislation requires these mentoring programs to obtain fingerprints from individuals who will undergo background checks and mandates that the Division of Criminal Justice Services waive fees when supplying criminal history reports for these specific types of mentoring programs. The goal appears to be reducing financial barriers for organizations that match adult volunteers with youth to provide positive role models, thereby potentially making mentoring programs more accessible and easier to establish. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law, ensuring organizations have time to understand and implement the new provisions.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1604