Bill > S02123

This bill requires background checks and fingerprinting for construction contractors working in school facilities, expanding existing employment screening procedures to include these workers. The legislation modifies the education law to define "construction contractors" as individuals or entities seeking to perform construction or maintenance work in school facilities, and mandates that these contractors submit fingerprints for criminal background checks before being awarded a contract. The bill requires the commissioner of education to develop forms and systems for processing these background checks, including creating an internet-based portal where contractors can review fingerprint results and subsequent arrest notifications by entering an employee's name and social security number. Construction contractors will need to ensure their employees are cleared for access to school projects, with the goal of enhancing safety by screening potential workers who might come into contact with students. The bill also amends related provisions in the social services law to incorporate construction contractors into existing background check frameworks, ensuring that schools can verify the criminal history of workers performing services on their premises. Notably, if a construction contractor has already performed proper background checks on its employees, the school or program would not need to separately conduct additional screenings.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2123