HF 2039 Summary

• School districts and charter schools must release personnel data on current and former employees to other hiring schools if an interview has been offered, including job performance evaluations and disciplinary records from investigations by the school, law enforcement, or commissioner of education.

• Background checks and screening for school employees, volunteers, and contractors must include a criminal history check, national criminal history check based on fingerprints, and drug and alcohol testing.

• School hiring authorities must repeat background checks and screening at least every three years and may request random drug and alcohol testing of employees, volunteers, and contractors.

• School boards contracting with carriers for student transportation must require carriers to conduct criminal history background checks and screening consistent with school employee requirements at least every three years on all operators and employees present during student transport.

• School hiring authorities have a legal duty to request or require drug and alcohol testing for school employees and volunteers, unlike other employers who do not have this requirement.