School Volunteer Criminal Record Check (H 5748, S 393)

In a move that would have further prevented parents and guardians from meaningfully engaging in their student’s schooling if the parent or guardian has a criminal record, this bill would have required a federal background check before any person could volunteer or intern at a school in Rhode Island. We noted this could prevent engaged parents or guardians from volunteering solely on the basis of a criminal charge which predates their student, and additionally expressed concerns that the fingerprinting requirement could deter undocumented parents or guardians from volunteering at their student's school. We urged rejection of this needlessly stigmatizing bill, and it thankfully died in committee.