Legislature OKs background checks for coaches
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School coaches and volunteers who lead or help with extracurricular activities may have to submit to criminal background checks under legislation on its way to Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The House has voted 112-15 for the bill, after it passed the Senate unanimously on Wednesday.
The proposal would require the checks for volunteers and coaches and activity staff who are paid.
The aim is to ferret out adults with a history of sexually abusing or otherwise preying on children, although the bill doesn't specify which convictions would prompt rejection of a coach or volunteer.
Representative Bud Heidgerken said drama and sports programs in rural districts could be devastated, because parent volunteers who might have a DWI on their record will avoid the background check.
Pawlenty will decide whether the legislation becomes law.
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