AR HB1700

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-17-411(a)(4) and (5) to require the Department of Education to inform educational entity boards of directors within 30 days whether job applicants are eligible for employment based on criminal records and Child Maltreatment Central Registry background check results.

Establishes that upon completion of statewide and nationwide criminal records background checks, the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police or Department of Human Services must forward all releasable information to the Department of Education.

Maintains confidentiality protections for background check information, limiting access to the affected applicant and their authorized representative, while ensuring no records are removed from Department of Education custody.

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-17-415(b) to apply the same 30-day notification requirement to school districts that require background checks for existing nonlicensed employees.

Requires public school districts to conduct criminal records background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks for existing nonlicensed employees at least once every five years.