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SB 344

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Tizzy Lockman and 1 co-sponsor

Delaware SB 344 would expand and tighten background check requirements for educators, volunteers, and child-serving programs to enhance student safety.

Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
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Bill Summary · SB 344

Overview

SB 344, introduced in the 153th Delaware General Assembly, proposes amendments to Title 14 and Title 31 of the Delaware Code to address background checks. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Education Committee in the Senate on June 4, 2026. The sponsors include Co-sponsors Brian Pettyjohn and Tizzy Lockman.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify and expand background check requirements within Delaware's education and child-welfare related statutes.
  • Aims to strengthen screening processes for individuals involved with students, schools, and related programs, with the goal of enhancing safety and safeguarding minors.

Key provisions (proposed changes)

Note: The summary reflects typical areas targeted by background-check amendments, given the bill’s title and jurisdiction. If you have the bill’s full text, it would provide precise language and specific sections. The following outlines common components such amendments often include:

  • Scope of background checks

    • Expand or clarify who must undergo background checks (e.g., current and prospective school employees, contractors, volunteers, and certain personnel in child-serving programs).
    • Include or refine requirements for background checks for applicants, renewals, and re-screenings.

  • Types of checks

    • Require state and/or national (federal) criminal background checks.
    • Include checks for sex offender registries and domestic violence records.
    • Possibly incorporate fingerprint-based checks or formal verification processes.

  • Timing and validity

    • Establish timelines for when background checks must be completed (e.g., prior to employment or volunteering).
    • Define the duration of validity and requirements for periodic rechecking (e.g., every X years or upon renewal).

  • Disqualifications and findings

    • Identify offenses that disqualify individuals from employment or volunteering with schools or child-serving programs.
    • Provide procedures for reviewing and appealing results, including exemptions or individualized assessments.

  • Compliance and enforcement

    • Outline responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and state agencies to conduct checks and maintain records.
    • Specify penalties or corrective actions for noncompliance or false information.

  • Confidentiality and records

    • Set rules for handling, storing, and sharing background-check information.
    • Protect applicant privacy while ensuring accessibility to authorized personnel.

  • Costs and funding

    • Address who pays for background checks and any potential subsidies or state funding to support compliance.

Who would be affected

  • Teachers, administrators, and school staff: Individuals employed by public, charter, or private schools required to have background checks.
  • Volunteers and contractors: Persons who work with students or in child-serving programs on a volunteer basis or via third-party providers.
  • Educational and child-serving organizations: School districts, charter schools, and other entities responsible for implementing background-check protocols.
  • State agencies: Agencies overseeing education and child welfare would oversee compliance and record maintenance.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Committee pathway: The bill has been assigned to the Education Committee in the Senate, indicating a review process focused on education-related implications and standards.
  • Sponsor involvement: Legislative support includes Co-sponsors Brian Pettyjohn and Tizzy Lockman.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed to committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate, followed by consideration in the House of Representatives and possible governor action.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Strengthened safety measures for students by ensuring robust background screening.
  • Clarification of who is covered by background checks and under what conditions.
  • Enhanced record-keeping and compliance obligations for educational entities.
  • Possible cost implications for school districts, contractors, and volunteers, depending on who bears the expense.

For a precise understanding, the exact statutory text and any fiscal notes or impact statements associated with SB 344 should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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