Legislation introduced by a state lawmaker from Martinsville would allow schools access to the expunged criminal records of potential employees.

Current state law allows some conviction records to be expunged and sealed from public view unless authorized by a court order.

Legislation introduced by State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) would add school corporations to the list of entities allowed to access such records.

Mayfield says allowing schools access to expunged records would help administrators better vet people applying for jobs and volunteer positions who are likely to have contact with students.

“We recognize that school employees serve in a variety of roles beyond the classroom, yet still have tremendous influence on our children,” Mayfield said. “This legislation would allow each school, on a case-by-case basis, to determine which offenses might preclude a person from working in a student-rich environment, and help ensure that those who are likely to interact with students will do so in a positive fashion.”

Mayfield’s bill would include any expunged record and is not limited to specific infractions.

The bill has been assigned to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee for consideration.