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Bill > S534
NJ S534
NJ S534Requires New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to require criminal history records check for person to serve as official at athletic events sanctioned by association.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires that a criminal history records check be conducted on any person who serves as an official for an interscholastic athletics meet, game, or tournament sanctioned by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Under the bill's provisions, the association is to request the check through the Commissioner of Education. A prospective or current official is required to submit their name, address, and fingerprints to the NJSIAA which will then forward this documentation to the commissioner. The bill authorizes the commissioner to exchange fingerprint data with, and receive criminal history record information from, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police. In conducting the check, the State Bureau of Identification is to examine its own files and arrange for a similar examination by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division. A prospective or current official is to be disqualified from serving as an official for any interscholastic athletic events sanctioned by the NJSIAA if the person's criminal history record information reveals a record of conviction for a disqualifying crime or offense. The bill incorporates by reference the list of disqualifying crimes and offenses, which are identical to those applicable to prospective school employees. Following qualification to serve as an official, the State Bureau of Identification is to immediately forward to the commissioner any information which the bureau receives on a charge pending against the official. If the charge is for a disqualifying crime or offense, the commissioner is to notify the NJSIAA, and the association is to take appropriate action. If the pending charge results in conviction, the person is to be disqualified from continuing to serve as an official.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), which oversees high school sports in the state, must require a criminal history records check for anyone serving as an official at athletic events it sanctions. This process involves the NJSIAA requesting the check through the Commissioner of Education, with prospective or current officials submitting their personal information and fingerprints. The Commissioner is authorized to share this data with federal and state law enforcement agencies, specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the State Bureau of Identification, to review criminal records. Individuals with convictions for certain disqualifying crimes or offenses, which are the same as those that would prevent someone from working in schools, will be barred from officiating. Furthermore, if an official is later charged with a disqualifying crime, the State Bureau of Identification will notify the Commissioner, who will then inform the NJSIAA, potentially leading to disqualification if convicted. This requirement applies to existing officials within 60 days of the bill's enactment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S534 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/534_I1.HTM |
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