MN SF1326

School hiring authorities may choose to pay the cost of criminal history background checks for employees, contractors, and volunteers instead of requiring the individual to pay.

Background checks are required for all individuals offered employment and for non-student volunteers offering athletic or extracurricular academic coaching services.

School hiring authorities may use criminal background check results from another school district if conducted within the previous 12 months and the individual provides written consent.

School hiring authorities may optionally request background checks for volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees, with the discretion to pay the associated costs.

School districts must notify parents and guardians at the beginning of each school year about background check policies, identify affected positions, and explain the extent of the district's discretion in requiring checks.