STATEHOUSE (Jan. 15, 2021) – State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) filed legislation that would allow schools to obtain expunged records of potential employees who are likely to have access to students.
Current law allows some conviction records to be expunged and sealed from public view unless authorized by a court order. Mayfield's bill would add school corporations to the list of entities allowed to access such records. This measure could help administrators better vet people applying for jobs, volunteering or performing contract work in their facilities who are likely to have contact with students.
"We recognize that school employees serve in a variety of roles beyond the classroom, yet still have tremendous influence on our children," Mayfield said. "This legislation would allow each school, on a case-by-case basis, to determine which offenses might preclude a person from working in a student-rich environment, and help ensure that those who are likely to interact with students will do so in a positive fashion."
Mayfield's legislation would include any expunged record and is not limited to specific infractions.
House Bill 1223 has been assigned to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee for consideration. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
