New law increases background checks for school workers

BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts people who work with children will soon be required to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks under a new state law.

Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill saying that it closes a loophole in existing state law and will help protect children.

All newly hired teachers, bus drivers and others working at schools will be required to undergo the background checks before the start of the next school year. They'll be submitted to state police for a state criminal history check and forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national background check.

Current employees must be checked before the 2016-2017 school year. Previously schools were only allowed to conduct background checks for crimes committed inside Massachusetts.