Background Screening of Athletic Coaches

Changed the effective date of the act from 'upon becoming law' to July 1, 2025

Removed subsection (1) defining 'athletic coach' and subsection (5) allowing unscreened coaches under supervision

Simplified the statute by removing the exemption provision for unscreened coaches working under direct supervision of screened coaches

Reorganized the statute structure, removing the definition subsection and combining remaining requirements into a more streamlined format

Changed the effective date for background screening requirements from July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2025, requiring authorities to begin screening current and prospective coaches earlier.

Updated the deadline for authorities to conduct background screenings from 'Effective July 1, 2026' to 'No later than July 1, 2026' with screening effective January 1, 2025.

Added new subsection clarifying that persons who have not undergone background screening may act as coaches if they are under direct supervision of a coach who meets screening requirements.

Reorganized the structure of subsection (2)(a) to clarify the timeline for authority participation in the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements.

Added specific definition of 'athletic coach' to include managers and referees working more than 20 hours annually with direct contact with minors

Changed effective date from July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2025 for background screening requirements

Added new subsection requiring minors under 16 to be supervised by coaches who meet background screening requirements

Added requirement that independent sanctioning authorities be considered qualified entities for the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse

Modified language regarding Agency for Health Care Administration's role in disqualifying persons from acting as coaches