STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law today State Rep. Jeff Thompson’s (R-Lizton) bill strengthening background check requirements for Indiana school employees.
State law requires expanded background checks be completed within three months of being hired. House Enrolled Act 1079 tightens the expanded background check requirement on new employees to before or within 30 days of their start date. Thompson said current school employees will now undergo background checks every five years.
“Hoosier families should feel confident that their children have a safe learning environment at school,” said Thompson, a retired teacher. “Requiring extensive background checks on new and current employees allows schools to properly evaluate those who are in regular contact with students throughout the school year.”
In addition, the new law requires Indiana schools to conduct a child protection index check on new employees before or within 60 days of their start date. In the 2016 session, the General Assembly added the child protection index to the definition of an expanded background check. This provision helped to ensure that schools are notified of potential employees with a history of child abuse or neglect.
Thompson said the law requires the Department of Education to revoke an employee’s license if they have been convicted of a child-related offense.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about HEA 1079.
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State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Hendricks and Boone counties.
A high-resolution photo of Thompson can be downloaded by clicking here.
