Tag: background check system

New Legislation Would Seal Loophole That Allowed Middle School Counselor Convicted of Sex Offense to Remain Employed December 30, 2022 Virginia's 2023 General Assembly saw new legislation introduced just before the session. This legislation intends to improve the processes that inform school officials when employees face arrests for felonies or serious misdemeanor offenses. This new law would serve as a stopgap until the state overhauls its background check system for schools and other positions in 2025. It comes after news that, despite background checks, a Fairfax County middle school counselor retained employment for nearly two years after a conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Under current law, police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officials must notify the division superintendent of any public school division when an employee gets arrested for certain offenses. However, law enforcement officials are responsible for finding relevant contact information. According to a Chesterfield County Police Chief, this error occurred when a Fairfax County school employee provided law enforcement with incorrect email addresses for contacting the superintendent. Because of this error, the superintendent never learned about the arrest despite multiple attempts by law enforcement. As a result of this news, many parents called for changes. For example, they have called for continuous background checks to prevent this from happening again. As a result, the state will consider participating in the FBI's RAP Back system. This system will significantly change the background checks performed by public and private providers and coordinate with the Virginia State Police. If everything goes according to plan, they will implement this system on July 1, 2025. However, this new legislation will become moot if this happens. Regardless, State Senator Scott Surovell introduced Senate Bill No. 821 instead of waiting two years to correct the issue. Among other changes, this will require law enforcement to provide notifications through certified mail or fax. Both forms would confirm delivery. Furthermore, it would require the superintendent of public education to provide a public list of contact information. This list would allow law enforcement to determine where to send the notifications quickly. It would also require all people arrested in Virginia for certain charges to undergo employment verification. According to Surovell, he expects the bill to receive bipartisan support and pass unanimously. If approved by the state legislature and signed by Governor Youngkin, it will go into effect in July. However, it may take effect sooner if lawmakers agree to include an emergency clause that could allow it to take effect before the end of the school year. Keep your business up to date on new laws and regulations with Pre-employ’s free news resources. Contact a sales rep today. Source

Tag: background check system

New Legislation Would Seal Loophole That Allowed Middle School Counselor Convicted of Sex Offense to Remain Employed

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