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HB 443

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 5 co-sponsors

The bill would require background checks for volunteers in educational settings to strengthen student safety and standardize screening across Delaware schools.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 443

Overview

HB 443 (Session 153, Delaware) proposes amendments to Title 14 of the Delaware Code to address background checks for volunteers in education. The bill’s objective is to enhance safeguarding procedures by expanding or clarifying background check requirements for individuals who volunteer in educational settings.

Purpose and intent

  • Strengthen student safety by ensuring volunteers undergo appropriate background screening.
  • Establish consistent standards for volunteers across educational institutions within the state.
  • Provide clear guidance on when background checks are required, the type of checks, and the entities responsible for conducting them.

Key provisions and changes

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and typical components of similar Delaware background-check legislation. For precise text, refer to the official bill language.

  • Background check requirements: The bill would specify who qualifies as a “volunteer” in an educational setting and mandate background checks for those individuals.
  • Scope of checks: Likely to define the types of background checks required (e.g., criminal history, state and national checks, registers, sexual offender lists) and the frequency of checks (initial checks and/or periodic rechecks).
  • Processing and timeliness: Provisions may address timelines for submitting fingerprints or background check results, and how long volunteers are allowed to work before completion.
  • Exemptions and thresholds: Potentially outlines any exemptions (e.g., short-term or emergency volunteers) and criteria for waivers or alternative screening approaches.
  • Notifications and appeals: Procedures for notifying schools of results, as well as processes for volunteers to appeal findings or incorrect records.
  • Compliance and enforcement: Roles of school districts, charter schools, or other educational entities in enforcing the new requirements, including potential penalties for noncompliance.
  • Privacy and data handling: Safeguards for the handling, storage, and sharing of criminal background information in accordance with state privacy laws.

Who is affected

  • Volunteers in educational settings within Delaware (e.g., classroom helpers, mentors, coaches, chaperones, PTA volunteers) who interact with students.
  • Public and private schools, school districts, and charter schools operating under Title 14.
  • School administrators and human resources staff responsible for volunteer screening and onboarding.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Introduction and assignment: The bill was introduced and assigned to the Education Committee in the House on May 21, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced by the Education Committee, the bill would move through committee deliberations, potential amendments, and full chamber votes, followed by consideration by the Senate (if applicable) and any final enactment steps.
  • Effective date: The bill may specify an effective date upon enactment or a phased implementation timeline; the exact date would be in the final bill text.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Schools would need to update volunteer management policies to incorporate the new background-check workflow.
  • Administrative workload may increase due to processing, record-keeping, and compliance reporting.
  • Potential costs: Volunteer screening may introduce background-check fees or costs borne by districts or volunteers, depending on who bears the financial responsibility in the final text.
  • Privacy and fairness: Emphasis on properly handling sensitive information and ensuring accurate, timely determinations to avoid unwarranted exclusion of volunteers.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include exact statutory language once the bill’s text is available, or compare HB 443 to existing Delaware background-check requirements for volunteers.

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

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