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A 5813

Requires background checks prior to employment in a position involving substantial contact with children while dressed as a children's character

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 3 co-sponsors

Requires background checks before hiring anyone who will have substantial contact with children in costume as a children's character, affecting employers and applicants.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 5813

Summary: Assembly Bill A 5813 (2025)

Overview

A 5813 is an Assembly bill introduced on February 20, 2025, that would require background checks prior to employment for individuals in positions involving substantial contact with children while dressed as a children's character. The bill is currently REFERRED TO CORRECTION, indicating it is being reviewed by the Corrections Committee.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to strengthen safeguards around employment in roles where someone interacts closely with children in an animated or mascot-like capacity (i.e., while wearing a costume as a children's character).
  • The measure seeks to ensure employers verify the background of prospective employees before placing them in such roles.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Requires a background check prior to employment for individuals who would have substantial contact with children while in costume as a children's character.
  • The exact procedures, scope, and standards of the background checks (e.g., what records are reviewed, who pays for the checks, timing, and how results affect hiring) are not specified in the provided summary. The full text would detail these elements.
  • Applies to employment arrangements in which the person is dressed as a children's character and interacts regularly or substantially with children.

Affected Parties

  • Employers and hiring entities that place individuals in child-facing costume roles (e.g., entertainment venues, schools, libraries, parties, events, and similar settings).
  • Prospective employees who would perform in such roles, as they would be subject to background checks.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Corrections Committee (COR). The legislative actions show two entries on the same date noting the referral.
  • Related actions or further referrals, amendments, or floor consideration would occur pending committee review.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Erik Dilan
  • Cosponsors: MaryJane Shimsky, Kwani O'Pharrow, Marianne Buttenschon

Related Bills

  • A 7206 (prior-session)
  • A 9974 (prior-session)
  • S 3933 (companion) — listed twice (likely an identical Senate counterpart)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Public safety: Aims to reduce risk by ensuring individuals who interact closely with children in costume roles have properly vetted backgrounds.
  • Compliance burden: Employers would need to implement or adjust hiring procedures to incorporate background checks for these positions.
  • Enforcement and remedies: Details would depend on the final text, including penalties for noncompliance and any transition provisions.
  • Interplay with prior and companion bills: Related measures in other sessions or in the Senate may share similar goals, facilitating possible consolidation or coordinated passage.

For readers seeking specifics on the exact background check requirements (scope, duration, cost, process, and consequences of disqualifying findings), the full bill text and subsequent committee amendments should be consulted.

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

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