Bill > S07347

This bill requires school districts to conduct comprehensive pre-employment background investigations for all personnel, mandating that every job candidate complete a detailed background questionnaire, submit to testing for controlled substances and communicable diseases, and provide a signed declaration about prior criminal convictions. Specifically, the bill requires school districts to work with the division of criminal justice services to establish regulations for mandatory background checks, including fingerprinting and testing, which will serve as a prerequisite for employment. The legislation defines "communicable disease" as any condition deemed by the health commissioner to be rapidly emergent or a significant public health threat, and explicitly prohibits assigning any employee who tests positive for controlled substances or communicable diseases to roles involving child care, custody, or supervision. The bill aims to enhance safety in school environments by ensuring that all personnel undergo thorough screening before being hired, with provisions for criminal history checks at both state and federal levels through submission of fingerprints to the division of criminal justice services and potentially the federal bureau of investigation. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation rules and regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7347