Bill > A08902

This bill modifies existing New York education and social services laws to streamline background check and fingerprinting requirements for providers of contract services to schools. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of "employee" to include workers from contracted service providers who provide student support services, and allows school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions to opt into a process where contracted service providers can oversee their own employees' fingerprinting and background checks. The bill requires the state education commissioner to develop forms for fingerprinting and background checks, and mandates that the commissioner notify schools of employees' clearance status. Additionally, the bill allows schools using temporary staff from contract service providers to accept written confirmation from those providers that staff have completed required background checks, eliminating the need for schools to separately initiate the fingerprinting and background check process. This legislation aims to simplify administrative processes while maintaining safeguards to ensure the safety of students by ensuring thorough background screenings of individuals working in educational settings.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8902