Annual fingerprint checks could screen New Jersey youth coaches

In New Jersey, youth-serving organizations would face a new screening rule for the adults around children. Sports teams, leagues, athletic associations and private athletic lesson providers would have to require criminal history record background checks for employees, volunteers and organizers.

The check means a name-and-fingerprints search against records held by the FBI and the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police.

Who gets screened, and what it costs

The proposal would make the check an annual requirement. It would also require written consent from the person being screened, who would pay the cost, though the fee could not be more than the actual cost of the check.

A person would be disqualified if the record shows convictions tied to violence, offenses against children or family members, theft, or certain drug crimes. If an employee, volunteer or organizer keeps participating while knowing they are disqualified, or if an organizer, coach or other person working with the group ignores that result, the bill would make that a fourth-degree crime.