TRENTON, NJ — New legislation introduced in New Jersey aims to fortify the safety protocols surrounding construction and public works activities in school environments. The bill, which revises existing requirements for criminal history record checks, mandates that all workers involved in school construction or public works must demonstrate clean criminal records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation or State Bureau of Identification before commencing work.
This legislative proposal also compels each school district to revise its visitor policies to include registration processes for contractors and other workers entering school buildings.
The initiative reflects heightened efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff by regulating access to school facilities during school hours.
Under the new regulations, failure to comply with criminal history record checks could result in increased penalties for employers, escalating to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, third-party contractors who violate these provisions three times will face a three-year prohibition from bidding on or entering contracts for goods and services with any state agency.
The bill also directs the New Jersey Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force, to update the “School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines.” This update will provide additional guidance to help school districts manage and monitor access to their facilities effectively.
These measures are part of broader efforts to enhance the security protocols in New Jersey schools, ensuring that all personnel working on school properties meet stringent safety standards.
