Schools; school employee criminal history record checks; authorizing board of education to request criminal history record check for certain persons; effective date.
Impact
The legislation requires that newly hired teachers or school staff undergo a national criminal history record check. However, it streamlines the process by allowing current teachers who have undergone checks within the previous five years to not need a new check when applying for jobs in other districts. This approach helps to facilitate mobility for educators while maintaining necessary safety measures for school environments. Additionally, the timing for background checks has been prescribed, mandating that the checks be completed within specified working days.
Summary
House Bill 4133 amends the existing statutes regarding criminal history record checks for school employees in Oklahoma. The bill allows boards of education to request national criminal history record checks for all applicants seeking employment in schools, including provisions for checks on the spouses of employees. This enhancement aims to bolster the safety and integrity of the educational environment by ensuring that individuals employed in schools meet stringent background criteria.
Contention
Notably, there are concerns regarding the costs associated with these criminal history checks. The bill stipulates that the fee for these checks shall not exceed $50, but questions have been raised about who will cover these costs—whether it be the prospective employee or the school districts. In practice, schools may choose to reimburse employees for the costs incurred, but this adds a layer of administrative complexity that needs to be addressed.
Final_notes
Overall, HB4133 reflects a concerted effort to enhance safety in schools through rigorous employee screening processes while also attempting to remove barriers for experienced educators transitioning between districts. As these measures take effect, the real impact on employment practices and educational hiring dynamics will be closely monitored.