New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4522

Introduced
6/6/24  

Caption

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend existing laws, particularly those pertaining to educational institutions in New Jersey, by introducing stricter penalties for non-compliance with the criminal check provisions. It increases the fines for violations from $500 to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, contractors who fail to comply with the new requirements could be barred from bidding on or renewing contracts with state agencies for three years upon a third violation. This aspect of the bill could significantly affect the operational practices of contractors working in educational settings.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4522, introduced in New Jersey, aims to enhance the safety of school environments by clarifying and strengthening the requirements for criminal history record checks for individuals conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings. This bill mandates that any contractor or worker performing such activities when schools are in session must provide proof that all employees have undergone necessary criminal history checks. This measure is designed to prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal records from accessing school property, effectively aiming to protect students from potential harm.

Contention

In the legislative conversations surrounding the bill, points of contention may revolve around the balance between ensuring student safety and the potential burdens placed on contractors and schools. Some opponents may argue that stringent requirements could lead to difficulties in procuring contractors or increasing costs which could ultimately impact school funding. However, proponents assert that ensuring the security of children is paramount, and the measures in A4522 reflect a necessary precaution to fortify school safety mechanisms and enforce accountability among contractors.

Companion Bills

NJ S3395

Same As Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3395

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

NJ A2711

Harmonizes the disqualifying offenses and certain other criminal history record background check requirements applicable to home instructors employed under DOE or DHS authority.

NJ S1999

Establishes "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requires periodic criminal background checks for certain school employees; and prohibits interference with school bus monitoring devices.

NJ S1250

Establishes "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requires periodic criminal background checks for certain school employees; and prohibits interference with school bus monitoring devices.

NJ A5872

Requires volunteers, employees, and organizers of certain youth and sports organizations to receive criminal history record background checks.

NJ A403

Requires employees of private entity with access to student information under contract with DOE, school districts, or charter schools to undergo criminal background check.

NJ A206

Requires certain candidates for employment with DOE to undergo criminal history background check.

NJ A2613

Requires certain candidates for employment with DOE to undergo criminal history background check.

NJ A3480

Requires prospective volunteer firefighters to undergo criminal history record background checks.

NJ A5051

Clarifies public school student attendance recording and reporting requirements.

Similar Bills

NJ S3395

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

CT HB05366

An Act Concerning The Disqualification Of State Contractors.

NJ A2821

Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.

NJ A5687

Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.

NJ S1291

Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.

NJ S4074

Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.

CT HB05172

An Act Concerning Reemployment And The Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Conveyances Of Certain Land Or Interests In Land Of Nonprofit Corporations And State Contractor Prequalification.

KS SB27

Reconciling multiple amendments to certain statutes.