Law calls for mentor background checks

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island House has voted to require background checks for adults looking to participate in youth mentoring programs.

The proposed law would require applicants to undergo and pass a state and national criminal background check.

The measure's sponsor, Rep. Joseph McNamara, notes that the state already requires criminal background checks for anyone applying to work at a school.

McNamara, a Warwick Democrat, says it makes sense to expand the law as schools increasingly use volunteers in mentoring programs.

The House passed the legislation Wednesday. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.