New Law Requiring Background Check
Fingerprint Information
As you are aware, in the past year, two bills relating to background checks for school employees became law. House Bill 79, which took effect on March 29, 2007, requires educators to undergo BCI background checks upon renewing a license. The bill also requires individuals teaching under a professional teaching certificate to undergo a background check upon a date prescribed by the State Board of Education and every five years thereafter. September 5, 2008, has been selected as the initial date by which professional certificate holders (eight year, permanent, and permanent non-tax) must have their checks completed.
House Bill 190, effective November 14, 2007, expanded this law by requiring educators who are renewing a license and professional certificate holders to undergo both a BCI and FBI background check. Two-year and five-year licensed educators will complete both background checks when they renew their licenses. Professional certificate holders, including eith-year, permanent, and permanent non-tax, now must have both the BCI and FBI checks completed by September 5, 2008.
The bill also requires all non-licensed school employees to undergo BCI and FBI background checks. September 5, 2008, is the date by which all non-licensed school employees, excluding van and bus drivers, must have completed the background checks. The checks for non-licensed employees must be redone every five years.
Volunteers should check with their local school district to be informed of board policy regarding fingerprint background checks.
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