Two bills that came before the House E-12 Education Committee on Feb. 28 would require school districts to look more closely at past sexual misconduct of those who would work with children.
HF2782, sponsored by Rep. Karla Bigham (DFL-Cottage Grove) would require those who provide services for extracurricular activities, including coaching, to undergo a criminal background check.
Bigham said many school districts already do this, but this would make sure that “everybody is on a level playing field.”
Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud) said he would like to see this expanded to include anyone who would work with children.
A Senate companion, SF2369, sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) was re-referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee by the Senate Education Committee.
Minnesota already requires school districts to perform criminal history background checks on prospective teachers. HF2657, also sponsored by Bigham, would require school districts to use the Minnesota Board of Teaching Web site to check for past sexual misconduct. The bill would also require the applicant to provide information on all current and previous disciplinary actions.
Companion bill, SF2597, sponsored by Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-Woodbury), was re-referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Both House bills await action on the House floor.
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