Commentary from Senator Sakamoto
February 7, 2007 (Updated February 22, 2007)
Background Checks for DOE Volunteers
On January 30, the Honolulu Advertiser editorial spoke about the need for background checks on school volunteers. The Department of Education (DOE) recently learned that it lacked the authority to carry out background checks on 15 volunteer coaches because they were not "employees" on the DOE payroll. This is not acceptable. We need to do all we can to ensure that out children learn in a safe environment.
Senate Bill 96 Senate Draft 1 would require the DOE to conduct background checks on individuals who work for service providers or subcontractors, or university trainees. When the bill is scheduled to be heard, it can be amended to include volunteers in positions that place them in close proximity to youth.
Bill Status as of February 22, 2007: Decision-making by the Ways and Means Committee.
Click on the link below to view the text of Senate Bill 96 SD1.
Click on the link below to view the hearing notice for Senate Bill 96 SD1 that will be heard on Thursday, February 22 at 1:30 PM in Conference Room 211.
WAM February 22 Hearing Notice (includes Senate Bill 96 SD1)