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Bill

A 1604

Relates to the provision of criminal history background checks free of charge to mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Ramos and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 1604 provides free criminal background checks for mentors in not-for-profit programs, enhancing safety for youth and improving operational efficiency for organizations.

REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
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Bill Summary · A 1604

Summary of Bill A 1604

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 1604
  • Title: Relates to the provision of criminal history background checks free of charge to mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations
  • Status: Referred to Children and Families
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 1604 aims to enhance the safety and integrity of mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit corporations by providing free criminal history background checks for individuals involved in these programs. The intent is to ensure that mentors are vetted appropriately, thereby fostering a secure environment for the youth and communities served by these organizations.

Key Provisions

  • Free Background Checks: The bill mandates that criminal history background checks be provided at no cost to not-for-profit mentoring programs. This provision is designed to alleviate financial burdens on these organizations, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively towards their mentoring activities.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill specifies that the background checks are applicable to all individuals who will be serving as mentors within the not-for-profit programs.
  • Implementation Guidelines: The bill outlines the process for how these background checks will be conducted, ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection.

Affected Parties

  • Not-for-Profit Corporations: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are not-for-profit organizations that operate mentoring programs. By receiving free background checks, these organizations can improve their operational efficiency and enhance the safety of their programs.
  • Mentors and Mentees: Individuals who wish to serve as mentors will benefit from a streamlined vetting process, while mentees will gain increased protection and assurance of their safety in mentoring relationships.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Status: As of January 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Children and Families for further consideration. This step is crucial for the bill's progression through the legislative process.
  • Related Bills: Bill A 1604 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
    • A 7506
    • A 4481
    • A 4490

These related bills may provide context or additional frameworks that could influence the discussion and potential amendments to A 1604.

Conclusion

Bill A 1604 represents a significant step towards improving the safety and effectiveness of mentoring programs operated by not-for-profit organizations. By providing free criminal history background checks, the bill aims to foster a safer environment for both mentors and mentees, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the communities these programs serve. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Children and Families, and its future will depend on further legislative action.

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

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