SB 1326
An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, further providing for criminal history of employees and prospective employees and conviction of certain offenses and for employment history review.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill updates Pennsylvania’s public school code to strengthen background checks for school employees and prospective employees. It requires public and private schools, intermediate units, and area career and technical schools to conduct employment history reviews for individuals with direct contact with children or who perform work on school premises. Specifically, it mandates checking for criminal history records, professional discipline, and instances of abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, ensuring safer environments for students.
Key provisions
- Requires public and private schools to conduct employment history reviews for employees with direct contact with children.
- Expands the scope of criminal history checks to include investigations of abuse or sexual misconduct.
- Requires independent contractors working with schools to also conduct employment history reviews.
- Establishes a timeline for implementation, with key provisions taking effect July 1, 2026.
- Allows school entities to object to assigning employees to positions involving contact with children if concerns arise.
- Requires independent contractors to maintain records of employment history reviews.
- Mandates that independent contractors inform school entities of instances of abuse or misconduct involving employees.
- Extends the requirement to apply to substitute teachers.
Who is affected
- Public school employees
- Private school employees
- Intermediate unit employees
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