Lawmakers OK bill expanding background checks to school volunteers

State Rep. Ron Noble (R-McMinnville) announced Thursday that HB 2992, which requires school volunteers that have direct and unsupervised contact with students to undergo a background check, has passed both chambers of the Legislature and is expected to be signed into law.

“The main purpose of this bill is to provide greater safety for our children,” said Rep. Noble. “HB 2992 requires public school districts or public charter schools to adopt and implement a policy to require volunteers to undergo a background check.

“This bill allows districts to develop a policy that is specific to their needs, as opposed to being too prescriptive, which is something we need to always keep in mind while introducing bills. It makes sense that volunteers who have direct, unsupervised contact with students undergo a background check, providing an added layer of protection for our children,” concluded Rep. Noble.

HB 2992 passed both the House and Senate chambers unanimously and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.