NY A00719

Requires youth organizations to conduct sex offender registry checks through the Division of Criminal Justice Services before allowing volunteers with direct contact with minors to serve.

Youth organizations must complete registry inquiries for all active volunteers with direct youth contact by January 1, 2024, with subsequent checks at the organization's discretion.

Youth organizations must inform prospective volunteers that a registry check will be performed and provide them the opportunity to withdraw before the inquiry is initiated.

Prohibits any person listed on the statewide sex offender registry from volunteering with youth organizations where they would have direct contact with minors.

Establishes civil penalties of up to $100 for willful violations, increasing to $200 for second or subsequent violations, enforced by the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services.