DE HB292

Requires criminal background checks to be completed and suitability determined before a person begins employment with a public school, with fingerprints and background check information submitted prior to interview.

Permits conditional hiring on a temporary basis only when exigent circumstances exist and written approval is obtained from the school district superintendent or Secretary of Education, contingent on final suitability determination.

Requires fingerprint submission prior to interview to encourage timely completion of background checks, with costs typically borne by the job applicant unless the state appropriates funds.

Maintains automatic disqualification from school employment for convictions involving controlled substance manufacture or delivery, any felony conviction within the last 5 years, or any crime against a child.

Designates one person per school district to process background checks with required confidentiality training and agreement, with information accessible only to chief school officer and chief personnel officer.