We initially opposed legislation which sought to implement a strict background check procedure for any individual who teaches or instructs children under the age of eighteen. The imposition of sweeping background checks can have a harmful impact on justice-involved or formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment. This legislation, of which the original version would have applied to individuals such as all independent tutors or private music teachers, would have put this requirement in place without any enforcement or appeal process, and would have imposed on parents a potentially unnecessary burden.
The legislation was subsequently amended to address our concerns and to refer only to these individuals who work in or at a school environment, though the bill died in the Senate after passing the House.
