Nov 22, 2009 12:26 pm US/Eastern
Corzine Signs Bill On Students' Criminal Records
TRENTON, N.J (CBS) ―
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New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Gov. Jon Corzine has signed a measure that gives high school administrators in New Jersey access to adult students' criminal histories.
The bill requires that principals be made aware when any high school student 18 or older is charged with certain criminal offenses. And if a student 18 or older transfers, the old school must share criminal records with the new school.
The bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly and Senate this summer.
Assemblyman John Burzichelli, D-Paulsboro, drafted the measure after hearing that Glassboro High School officials were unaware that a 19-year-old senior transferring into the school had been accused of rape.
The student later pleaded guilty to child endangerment.
Under the new law, administrative notification must be made if a student 18 or older commits or is charged with a crime that:
Results in death or serious injury or involved an attempt to cause death or serious injury.
Involves the unlawful use or possession of a firearm or other weapon.
Involves the unlawful manufacture, distribution, or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.
Constitutes a bias or hate crime
Is classified as a crime of the first through third degree.
School administrators also must be informed if a student 18 or older is charged with any offense that occurs on school property, a school bus, a school-sponsored function or is committed against a school employee or official.
Corzine lost his reelection bid for governor on November 3.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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