California Assembly Bill AB1945

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 2/12/24

Caption

Education: School employees: fingerprinting.

Impact

By imposing additional responsibilities on local school boards to submit fingerprint images and related information for potential hires, AB 1945 creates a state-mandated local program. This not only increases the compliance burdens on schools but also requires the state to reimburse these local entities for costs incurred as a result of these mandates as outlined by the California Constitution. The state will cover these costs if determined necessary by the Commission on State Mandates, ensuring local districts are not financially penalized for adhering to state law.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1945, introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi, seeks to amend Section 44830.1 of the Education Code, focusing on the hiring protocols for school employees, especially those in positions requiring certification qualifications. The bill mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) disseminate specific information related to an applicant's criminal background, including convictions, arrests, and sex offender registration, directly to the governing boards of school districts. This change aims to enhance safety and ensure that individuals with violent or serious felonies are not employed in educational settings where they have direct contact with minors.

Contention

While supporters argue that this bill is essential for enhancing student safety and transparency in hiring practices, it is possible that this could lead to contention around the implications for individuals with prior convictions, particularly regarding their rehabilitation and chances for employment. The bill specifies that individuals who have been convicted of a violent or serious felony may not be hired but allows for exceptions in cases where individuals prove that they have undergone rehabilitation. This aspect of the legislation might face scrutiny from advocacy groups that emphasize the importance of second-chance employment opportunities in rehabilitating former offenders.