Proposed legislation would enforce construction worker background checks

A bill to extend background screening requirements to construction workers who work in schools is currently making its way through the Delaware legislative body, the Salisbury Daily Times reports. If passed, contractors, subcontractors or other workers employed in the construction industry would not be permitted onto public school premises if a background check uncovers that they have been convicted of a violent felony, or that they were ever convicted of a sex crime against a minor. "Pennsylvania passed a similar law a few years ago," bill sponsor and Newark Democrat Ed Osienski told the news source. "I was actually approached by contractors about why it wasn't the case here in Delaware. … (I) talked to several major school construction contractors and they were actually in favor of it." Osienski - who used to install sprinklers for a living - cited his own experiences of having close contact with students while working in schools. The bill has the support of the Building Trades Commission, Associated Builders & Contractors and Delaware Contractors Association, the Newark Post reports.