Bill > SB161

This bill establishes new requirements for criminal background checks for employees and volunteers working with minors in the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs (DMA) youth programs. Specifically, the bill mandates that all applicants, employees, and volunteers who will be supervising or in control of minors in programs like the National Guard Youth Challenge and Job Challenge Academies must undergo state and national criminal background checks. Existing employees and volunteers will have six months to complete these checks, and until their background check is reviewed, they must be supervised by someone who has already completed a check. Applicants will be required to have their fingerprints taken and submitted to law enforcement for investigation, and they will be responsible for paying for the background check. The department will use these background checks to determine an individual's suitability to work with minors, with certain criminal convictions—such as sex crimes, offenses involving minors, or drug felonies—potentially disqualifying an applicant. The bill also amends existing law to clarify the adjutant general's authority to use appropriations and other funds to support youth programs. The background check results will be kept confidential within the department and shared only with hiring personnel, with the applicant having the right to obtain and challenge their own report.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=161&year=25