HB2731 Summary

• Requires all volunteers for the Department of Natural Resources to undergo and receive approval for a criminal background check before volunteering on Department-owned or controlled property.

• Background checks must include review of criminal conviction history from the Department of State Police and public databases for sex offenders, murderers and violent offenders against youth, and methamphetamine manufacturers.

• Volunteer applicants must complete and sign a Department of Central Management Services Authorization for Release of Criminal History Information form with a permanent street address.

• Establishes specific denial criteria including: violent crimes, crimes against persons, weapon-related crimes, sex offender registration, theft convictions for campground host applicants, and false statements about criminal history.

• Allows applicants to challenge denied background checks within 30 days by ordering a Federal Bureau Investigation identity history report at their own expense, and permits the Department to conduct background checks at any time during a volunteer's tenure.