AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS

SB 2216 would require all school employees with regular student contact to undergo comprehensive background checks. It mandates applicants to provide 20 years of employment history at schools or child-contact roles, along with written authorization for employers to disclose records. Applicants must answer specific questions about past child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, and schools must verify this information through direct contact with previous employers. The bill includes penalties for false disclosures (up to $500 civil fines) but is currently proposed legislation introduced in the Rhode Island Senate (2026-01-23).