MN SF739

Allows school districts discretion to waive criminal background check fees for volunteers, independent contractors, and student employees seeking to enter school grounds.

Clarifies that if a school hiring authority chooses to pay background check costs, individuals subject to the check are not required to pay for it.

Maintains existing requirements for background checks on school employees and individuals providing athletic or academic coaching services, with payment responsibility remaining on the individual unless the school chooses to cover costs.

Requires school districts to notify parents and guardians at the beginning of each school year about background check policies, positions subject to checks, and the extent of the hiring authority's discretion.

Effective the day following final enactment.