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Bill

S 5257

Requires mandatory background checks for persons employed by certain businesses serving minors and prohibiting certain persons from owning such businesses

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Hinchey and 3 co-sponsors

Bill S 5257 mandates background checks for employees of businesses serving minors and bars certain individuals from owning these businesses, enhancing child safety.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5257

Summary of Bill S 5257

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 5257
  • Title: Requires mandatory background checks for persons employed by certain businesses serving minors and prohibiting certain persons from owning such businesses
  • Status: Referred to Economic Development
  • Introduced On: February 20, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 5257 is to enhance the safety and protection of minors by instituting mandatory background checks for employees of businesses that serve minors. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals with a history of criminal behavior, particularly those that could pose a risk to children, are not employed in positions where they have direct contact with minors. Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit certain individuals from owning or operating these businesses.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Background Checks:

    • The bill mandates that all employees of specified businesses serving minors undergo comprehensive background checks before being hired.
    • These checks will include criminal history reviews to identify any past offenses that may endanger minors.

  • Ownership Restrictions:

    • The legislation prohibits individuals with certain criminal convictions from owning or operating businesses that serve minors. This aims to prevent those with a history of harmful behavior from having influence or access to vulnerable populations.

Affected Parties

  • Businesses Serving Minors:

    • This includes a wide range of establishments such as daycare centers, youth camps, recreational facilities, and other organizations that provide services to children.

  • Employees:

    • Current and prospective employees of these businesses will be subject to the new background check requirements.

  • Owners of Affected Businesses:

    • Individuals with specific criminal backgrounds will be barred from ownership, impacting their ability to operate such businesses.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 20, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Consumer Protection Committee.
  • February 21, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Consumer Protection Committee.
  • June 12, 2025: The bill was discharged from committee and committed to the Rules Committee, followed by an order for third reading.
  • June 13, 2025: The bill passed the Senate and was delivered to the Assembly, where it was referred to the Economic Development Committee.

Related Legislation

  • A 6568: This bill serves as a companion to S 5257, likely addressing similar issues or provisions related to the protection of minors in business environments.

Conclusion

Bill S 5257 represents a significant step towards safeguarding minors by ensuring that individuals who work in or own businesses serving children are thoroughly vetted. The implementation of mandatory background checks and ownership restrictions is designed to create a safer environment for minors, reflecting a commitment to child protection in community services.

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

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