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Bill

Bill

A 4692

Requires volunteers, employees, and organizers of certain youth and sports organizations to receive criminal history record background checks.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey law would require criminal background checks for volunteers and staff at youth sports organizations to screen for individuals with disqualifying criminal histories.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4692

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4692 mandates that volunteers, employees, and organizers working with youth and sports organizations in New Jersey undergo criminal history record background checks. The bill establishes a screening requirement intended to protect minors by identifying individuals with relevant criminal convictions before they gain access to children in organizational settings.

Why is this important

Background check requirements for youth-facing roles are a widely adopted child safety measure, as they can prevent individuals with histories of violence, abuse, or exploitation from working with vulnerable populations. This bill addresses a legitimate public safety concern, though implementation details—such as which convictions disqualify individuals, who bears costs, and how records are handled—significantly affect both effectiveness and fairness.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and burden: Unclear whether organizations or individuals pay for background checks; this could disproportionately impact small community organizations, volunteer-dependent sports leagues, or individuals with limited means
  • Scope and definitions: The bill's language regarding "certain youth and sports organizations" lacks specificity—unclear which entities are covered, potentially creating compliance ambiguity and uneven enforcement
  • Disqualifying criteria: No apparent specification of which criminal convictions trigger disqualification; overly broad standards could permanently exclude individuals for minor or non-relevant offenses, while narrow standards may reduce child safety

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

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