Requires single activity clinics to ascertain whether an employee or volunteer is listed on the state sex offender registry pursuant to article six-C of the correction law

BILL NUMBER:S5239

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law and the social services law, in relation to requiring single activity clinics to ascertain whether an employee or volunteer is listed on the state sex offender registry pursuant to article six-C of the correction law

Purpose

To ensure the safety and welfare of our children by requiring that single activity clinics check the sex offender registry for all potential employees and volunteers; and to require all camps check the statewide central register for child abuse and maltreatment to ascertain if an employee or volunteer is subject of an indicated child abuse and maltreatment report.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends section 1392 of the public health law by adding a new subdivision. The section defines single activity clinic as any person, firm, limited liability company, association and operation which operates any single activity clinic or runs any type of organized activity for a fee for individuals eighteen years or younger.

Section 2. Requires single activity clinics to obtain a permit prior to operation.

Section 3. Requires single activity clinics to ascertain whether an employee or volunteer is listed on the state sex offender registry prior to the date the employee or volunteer begins employment.

Section 4. Requires all camps or clinics that fall under the provisions of article thirteen-B of the public health law for every employee or volunteer to check whether the employee or volunteer is on file with the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment.

Section 5. Effective on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become law.

Justification

Protecting the safety and welfare of our children is of the utmost importance. Summer camps are a important part of our children's experience. However, not all camps fall under Department of Health Regulations. Single activity camps are not required to check their employee's background. We must ensure that we protect children whether they attend an outdoor summer camp or a single activity camp. Requiring these camps to check the sex offender registry will further protect our children's safety. Also to make sure that all camps operated in New York are keeping our children. safe this bill would require that all camps check the statewide central register of, child abuse and maltreatment to ascertain whether a prospective employee 1S the subject of an indicted report. This will further ensure that are children will be protected from harm.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

Needs to be determined.

Effective date

Takes effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become law.