NJ A5872

Expands the definition of "youth serving organization" to include sports teams, leagues, athletic associations, private athletic lesson providers, and both for-profit and non-profit entities serving persons under 18 years of age

Mandates annual criminal history record background checks for all employees, volunteers, and organizers of youth serving organizations, changing the requirement from optional to mandatory

Establishes civil penalties for organizations failing to request background checks: up to $500 for first offense, $750 for second offense, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses

Creates fourth degree criminal liability for employees or volunteers who knowingly participate despite being disqualified based on criminal history, and for organizers or coaches who knowingly disregard background check results or fail to obtain checks

Allows employees or volunteers who have already received a background check through public/nonpublic schools or national/international youth sports associations to submit proof of that check rather than obtaining a duplicate check in the same calendar year