Require background checks for certain school employees and volunteers

This bill requires Montana school districts to create a student protection policy mandating background checks for any individual who may have unsupervised contact with students, including employees, volunteers, and contractors. The key provision mandates that before allowing such contact, individuals must either complete a fingerprint-based national criminal history background check or provide sufficient information for one to be conducted, with results reviewed by district officials. The law also requires districts that fail to comply with their own student protection policies to submit a correction plan to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. These changes directly affect school districts, their governing boards, and all individuals who work with or volunteer in Montana schools.