Bill > S355

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts education law (specifically Section 38R of chapter 71) to eliminate the current practice of requiring teachers and school personnel to pay for their own fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Instead, the bill mandates that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will now fully cover all costs associated with operating and administering the criminal background check system. By removing the financial burden from individual educators, the legislation aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers and school personnel during the hiring and credentialing process, potentially making the education profession more financially accessible and attractive. The bill ensures that the state will absorb the entire cost of conducting these mandatory background checks, which are a standard requirement for ensuring the safety of students by screening potential educators before they are hired.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S355