Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that legislation she sponsored to
provide volunteer fire departments with the legal tools they need to keep
registered sex offenders from joining their ranks passed the Assembly (A.2318).
The legislation provides volunteer fire departments with the necessary mandate
to prevent level 1, 2, and 3 sex offenders from joining.
“Our volunteer firefighters are
exceptional members of our communities who risk their lives and dedicate their
time on our behalf,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “They have asked for, and
deserve, this legislation to provide them with the legal tools necessary to
ensure that they can maintain the integrity with which they have served our
communities for years.”
As volunteer firefighters often interact with
children and individuals who are in vulnerable situations, it is vital that
they have a clear cut way to identify sex offenders. Current labor law only
provides for the use of background checks to determine if applicants have been
convicted of arson.
Under the legislation, prospective
volunteer firefighters would be required to authorize a background check for
sex offense convictions if the individual wishes to proceed with his or her
application. The bill now heads to the governor for his approval.
“Background checks today are simple and
are a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing our
children and vulnerable members of society can trust our first responders,”
Assemblywoman Russell said.
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