Rhode Island to Require Background Checks for School Volunteers

If they have regular contact with children

Governor Chafee has signed a bill requiring volunteers in schools to undergo a state criminal background check.

The Senate and House of Representatives gave final passage last week to companion bills by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey, D-Warwick, and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, D-Warwick.

State law already requires background checks for individuals seeking employment with a private school or public school department. This legislation expands the scope of the background check requirement to include volunteers who have direct and regular contact with students.