Bill would require background checks for Agency of Education staff and contractors with potential unsupervised student contact

The committee considered provisions (Sections 14–15) that would require background checks for Agency of Education employees and contractors who may have unsupervised contact with students. The language would add AOE to existing statute lists and is intended to mirror background-check requirements already in place for districts and other entities.

During questioning, members asked whether supervised contacts would be excluded and whether supervisors or volunteers would also need checks. AOE deputy secretary (self-identified in the record) explained the provision would cover AOE staff, temporary employees, limited-service employees and contractors who work in the field and might be in school buildings where unsupervised contact could occur. The deputy secretary said the approach is aligned with existing practice for parent volunteers and community volunteers and is intended to protect students during school visits and field work by AOE staff.

Section 15 would amend a separate statute to add AOE to the list of entities required to comply with the background-check regime. Committee members signaled their support for the measure and noted it is consistent with safety objectives.