New Jersey Senate Bill S2688

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/22
• Refer: 5/19/22
• Report Pass: 6/27/22
• Engrossed: 6/29/22
• Refer: 6/29/22

Caption

Requires State employer to ascertain child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications for certain positions involving children; requires background checks for current and prospective employees.

Impact

The introduced bill significantly alters existing hiring practices within state employment contexts. All applicants for positions with regular contact with children must disclose their employment history over the past 20 years, including any incidents of child abuse or sexual misconduct. Furthermore, the bill provides that if an applicant refuses to consent to a child abuse record check, they will be immediately disqualified from employment. This will create a more rigorous vetting system, potentially impacting the number of applicants able to secure these roles but enhancing the protective measures for child safety.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 2688 requires state employers, as well as service providers with contracts with the state that involve children, to conduct thorough background checks on applicants for specific positions involving regular contact with children. This process mandates that these employers not only inquire about potential child abuse or sexual misconduct allegations but also implement criminal history checks for all current and prospective employees. The design of the bill is focused on enhancing the safety and security of children by preventing individuals with a history of such abuses from being hired in sensitive positions.

Contention

Among notable points of contention are the provisions that allow provisional employment for up to 90 days while background checks are still being processed. Critics may argue that this could pose risks to children's safety, especially if rapid hiring practices are employed under emergent circumstances. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for false information provided by applicants, indicating that any applicant found guilty of providing untruthful information could face severe repercussions, including disqualification from employment. This emphasis on accountability aims to foster a sense of responsibility among potential employees regarding their backgrounds.