WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5544

Provides for a sex offender registry check for youth organization volunteers who have direct contact with youths under the age of 18

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chantel Jackson

Bill A 5544 mandates sex offender registry checks for youth organization volunteers, enhancing safety for minors and ensuring only vetted individuals interact with them.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5544

Summary of Bill A 5544

Bill Number: A 5544
Title: Provides for a sex offender registry check for youth organization volunteers who have direct contact with youths under the age of 18
Status: Referred to Correction
Introduced: February 14, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5544 aims to enhance the safety of minors by requiring background checks for volunteers in youth organizations who have direct contact with individuals under the age of 18. The primary intent is to prevent potential harm to children by ensuring that individuals with a history of sexual offenses are not allowed to engage with youth in any capacity.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Background Checks: The bill mandates that all volunteers in youth organizations who will have direct contact with minors must undergo a sex offender registry check.
  • Scope of Application: This requirement applies to various youth organizations, including but not limited to sports teams, educational programs, and community service groups.
  • Implementation Guidelines: The bill outlines the procedures for conducting these checks, including the entities responsible for carrying out the background checks and the timeline for compliance.
  • Confidentiality Measures: Provisions are included to ensure that the information obtained from the background checks is handled confidentially and used solely for the purpose of determining eligibility to volunteer.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Youth Organizations: All organizations that provide programs or services to individuals under 18 will need to implement these background checks for their volunteers.
  • Volunteers: Individuals seeking to volunteer in youth organizations will be required to undergo a sex offender registry check, which may affect their ability to participate if they have a relevant history.
  • Minors and Their Families: The bill aims to protect children and provide peace of mind to parents and guardians regarding the safety of their children in youth programs.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 14, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Correction Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 3983, A 4110, A 3581, A 4040, A 4210, A 3106, A 3970, A 2089, A 719) that may address similar issues regarding youth safety and volunteer regulations.

Conclusion

Bill A 5544 represents a proactive approach to safeguarding minors by ensuring that individuals who volunteer in youth organizations are thoroughly vetted for any history of sexual offenses. By instituting mandatory sex offender registry checks, the bill seeks to create a safer environment for children participating in various programs and activities. The bill is currently under review, and its progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.