Proposed bill could expand backgrounds checks on school employees

Indianapolis (WLFI) - A proposed bill for this year's Indiana General Assembly could expand background checks on school employees.

The bill would require a national criminal history background check. For example, if somebody has a criminal record in another state, it will show up when they go to apply for a teaching job in Indiana.
    
State Rep. Randy Truitt, R-26, said he supports the bill. He said as a legislator and father, safety for children should be a top priority.

"I think it's absolutely critical that we do what's necessary to make sure that those individuals that are not only in our schools, teaching the kids, but quite frankly, in any public sector has the proper background checks," Truitt explained.
    
Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-27, agrees. She said she would be surprised if the bill doesn't pass.

"It has usually been an Indiana criminal history check. We have found in a couple of recent cases, that the teachers have come from another state and that background did not follow them into our state," said Klinker.

The proposed bill states that school corporation may agree to pay any fees required for an extended background check.