Bill > S2155

This bill, titled "Relative to horse riding instructor’s licenses," proposes changes to existing laws concerning the licensing and operation of riding schools and stables. Primarily, it mandates that operators of licensed riding schools or stables must obtain criminal offender record information, including court activity records, from the department of criminal justice information services (DCJIS) for any individual they hire as an employee, volunteer, vendor, or contractor who will work with children 18 years of age or younger. This requirement also applies to vendors and contractors if they are on the premises for at least five days annually. The bill also states that the department of agricultural resources will obtain this criminal record information when evaluating applications for riding school and stable licenses. Any information obtained under this provision can only be used to protect children. Additionally, the bill repeals section 2A of chapter 128 of the General Laws and amends section 2B of chapter 128 to ensure the commissioner also obtains criminal offender record information when evaluating riding school and stable operators for licensure.