ABC came back to the legislature in 2007 to reform the law because of the disparate application and unclear regulations.  Many counties were not approving workers who had any minor or major criminal past - including DWI or other misdemeanors - and require badging on any school site regardless of the presence of children.  ABC was able to amend the law to allow for fencing off the construction site, and specified the 8 criminal acts which would lead to automatic rejection. 

  

Yet some school districts persisted in invoking the "moral turpitude" clause and disallowed workers who might be approved in other districts.  They also refused to recognize the background check approved in another school district even though the 2007 amendments specified this solution.  Even 8 years after its passage, it is not uncommon for school contractor personnel to have multiple JLA badges.

ABC supports that law and for providing security for school children.  However, the application has been redundant, inconsistent and costly and places a tremendous burden on the construction industry.

Many thanks to Representative Keith Perry R-Dixie for his hard work on this important issue. Co-sponsors in the House were Representatives Janet Adkins R-Nassau; Katie Edwards D-Broward; Erik Fresen R-Miami-Dade; Elizabeth Porter R-Baker; Jake Raburn R-Hillsborough.ABC is pleased that this high-priority legislation has gained passage after several earlier attempts.  It would not have been possible without the engagement of ABC members with candidates, elected officials, and frequent messages to make this change by ABC contractors in Tallahassee and in the home districts of the state Representatives and Senators.