NY S08425

Expands the definition of "employee" requiring fingerprinting and background checks to include workers receiving compensation from entities that contract with schools to provide student support services

Allows school districts, charter schools, BOCES, and private/non-public schools to opt to let contracted service providers oversee the fingerprinting process for their own employees, including substitute teachers, substitute nurses, tutors, and other temporary student services professionals

Requires the Commissioner of Education to promulgate fingerprinting rules for providers of contract services to covered schools and develop associated forms for these providers

Mandates that the Commissioner notify schools and contracted service providers of any changes in employee clearance status and provide access to the department's secure electronic system to verify clearance status

Permits covered schools using temporary staff from contracted service providers to accept written confirmation from the provider as evidence that fingerprinting and background check requirements have been satisfied, eliminating the need for separate school-initiated checks