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A 3975

Clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers conducting construction or public works activities in school buildings; requires school district to update visitor policy.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Egan and 1 co-sponsor

The bill tightens criminal history checks for contractors and workers entering schools, strengthens penalties for noncompliance, and requires districts to update visitor policies.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3975

Summary of Bill A-3975 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

This act clarifies criminal history record check requirements for workers performing construction or public works activities in school buildings and requires school districts to update their visitor policies to address those workers’ access to school facilities.

Key provisions

  • Safety and eligibility for contractors and workers

    • General contractors, subcontractors, and any workers conducting public works on school property (including employees of third-party contractors) may not be employed or contracted unless the employer first determines that no disqualifying criminal history exists on file with the FBI Identification Division or the New Jersey State Bureau of Identification.
    • The same standard applies to workers who may conduct short-term or long-term work on school property while school is in session.
    • An individual employed as a school bus driver remains subject to the criminal history requirements under existing law (C.18A:39-19.1).

  • Scope of background checks

    • The bill aligns the contractor/worker requirements with the criminal history check framework established for school employees under current law (P.L.1986, c.116) and related statutes.
    • Employers must obtain written consent from individuals before conducting a criminal history record check.
    • A third-party contractor’s compliance with these checks is enforceable by withholding payments or contracts and, if there is a third offense, disqualification from bidding on State contracts for three years.

  • Financial implications and penalties

    • The maximum fine for noncompliance rises from $500 to $1,000 for a first offense and to $5,000 for the second and subsequent offenses.
    • A third-party contractor with a third offense becomes ineligible to bid on, propose for, or enter into/renew state contracts for goods or services for three years.

  • Visitor policy updates

    • Each school district must review and update its visitor policy to require registration of general contractors, subcontractors, and other workers entering school buildings for construction or public works projects.
    • The Commissioner of Education and the Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force must revise the School Safety and Security Manual to provide districts with guidance on updating visitor policies accordingly.

  • Administrative and effective dates

    • The State Board of Education will promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement sections 4–6.
    • The act takes effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Affected parties

  • General contractors, subcontractors, third-party contractors, and their workers involved in construction or public works on school property.
  • School districts and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJ SDA).
  • School employees and school bus drivers remain subject to existing criminal history check regimes.
  • Districts’ visitors and security policies, and the statewide School Safety and Security Manual.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Requires regulatory rulemaking by the state Board of Education.
  • Districts must update visitor policies; affected guidance will be provided through revised manuals.
  • Effective date is a future date following enactment (first day of the fourth month).

Overall, the bill tightens eligibility standards for non-school workers entering school facilities, strengthens penalties for noncompliance, and standardizes district security practices to ensure safer access to school buildings.

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

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