WASHINGTON, D.C. - An amendment offered by Third District Congressman Jon Porter aimed at improving school safety has been included in H.R. 3132, the “Children’s Safety Act.”  The amendment, which passed by a voice vote, allows local and state education agencies immediate access to national criminal information databases when conducting background checks for potential employees.

“How many times have we opened a newspaper and read about a teacher or school staff member using their position to take advantage of a child, only to learn that the perpetrator has a criminal past that wasn’t discovered during their background check?” asked Porter.  “We need to ensure that individuals are thoroughly vetted before being entrusted with our children’s safety.  By providing local and state education agencies immediate access to national criminal databases, we’ll take a major step towards making sure none of these predators or individuals with illicit pasts slip through the cracks.”

“This is a giant step forward in the area of child safety,” commented Dr. George Ann Rice, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, Clark County School District.

Specifically, Porter’s amendment allows state and local education agencies access to national crime databases to review the background of individuals seeking employment in a position working with or around children.  The amendment also stipulates that when possible, the check shall include a fingerprint-based check of state criminal history databases.

“Due to rapid population growth, certain areas of the country like Southern Nevada are often forced to hire thousands of out-of-state individuals to fill teaching and school support staff positions.  Because of current limitations on information-sharing between states, often times critical information on these individuals, including whether or not they have committed a crime, never comes to light.  My amendment aims to help correct this very dangerous and very real problem,” Porter concluded.

H.R. 3132 passed the house by a vote of 371 – 52, and now awaits action in the Senate.

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