New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3395

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

If enacted, S3395 will modify existing state laws regarding employment policies in educational settings, particularly affecting the hiring practices of contractors working on school properties. The law will increase the fines for non-compliance with these regulations; first-time offenders will face a fine of up to $1,000, escalating to $5,000 for subsequent violations. Particularly concerning third-party contractors, the bill stipulates that after a third offense, these contractors would become ineligible to bid for or engage in contracts with state agencies for three years, making adherence to the law crucial for business operations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3395 addresses the requirements for criminal history record checks of workers involved in public works activities on school properties in New Jersey. The bill mandates specific procedures for third-party contractors conducting any short-term or long-term work when school is in session. It lays out the necessity for these contractors to submit a list of their employees to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, along with certifications of their compliance with criminal background checks as mandated by existing legislation, reinforcing the state's commitment to maintaining safe environments for students and staff.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S3395 may involve balances between enhanced safety regulations and potential operational burdens on contractors. While proponents may argue that stricter enforcement of criminal history checks protects students, critics might contend that these measures could disproportionately affect smaller contractors or delay essential maintenance and construction work needed within school properties. The debate could focus on whether the heightened restrictions will indeed foster a safer environment or whether the changes lead to unnecessary complications in contracting processes.

Companion Bills

NJ A4522

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 A4522

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 A4522

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.