HB6143 Summary

• Amends School Code sections regarding criminal history checks for student teachers in both non-public and public schools.

• Exempts student teachers already employed by a school or school district as non-licensed staff members from undergoing repeated criminal history records checks, Statewide Sex Offender Database checks, and Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database checks if they have already completed these checks for that same school or district.

• Applies the exemption to student teachers in non-public schools seeking recognition status and student teachers in public school districts.

• Maintains all other background check requirements and prohibitions against employing individuals with disqualifying criminal convictions or abuse findings.