New Delaware law streamlines background check requirements

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Gov. Jack Markell is signing legislation to consolidate regulations for background checks for people working with children in Delaware.

The bill to be signed Tuesday consolidates into one section of state code the background check requirements for individuals who want to work or volunteer for child-serving entities.

Officials say the legislation addresses inconsistencies in the types of background checks currently required and the types of criminal convictions or child protection registry levels that prohibit an individual from working in such settings.

The legislation also addresses individuals who want to work with a private school or youth camp. Those entities previously have not been required to have background checks on staff or volunteers.

The new law will be named in honor of attorney general Beau Biden, who died in May.