Giarrusso To File Bill Requiring National Background Checks For Bus Personnel

State Representative Anthony Giarrusso (Dist. 30-E.G., W.G) said he would file legislation to require local and national criminal background checks for all individuals engaged in, or applying for employment in, school transportation services in Rhode Island.

Giarrusso, a Republican, was responding to the arrest Oct. 31 of an East Greenwich bus monitor for possessing and distributing child pornography. The monitor, Scott Sanford, was an employee of Ocean State Transit, the company contracted to provide bus services for the EG School District. Sanford has since been fired.

It just so happened that Giarrusso's own son, 11-year-old James, rode on Sanford's bus.

“We have a growing trove of criminal background information available to us, locally and nationally, but we fail to take full advantage of it when vetting those who come into contact with school children," Giarrusso said in a press release.

Private bus companies in Rhode Island are required to get state background checks on new hires. Following Sanford's arrest, Ocean State Transit announced it would be conducting yearly state and national background checks on employees. Giarrusso's proposed legislation would make that mandatory. 

“The legislation I envision would require national and local background checks of any individual applying for employment involving school transportation through a private contractor, and immediate disqualification if applicants have been convicted of a sexual offense, possession and transfer of child pornography, or any offense involving injury to a minor child," he said.

Giarrusso, who has come out against what he said is excessive state regulation, said this particular regulation is different. 

"There is always great debate on regulations concerning business friendliness and in some cases that’s rightfully so," said Giarrusso Tuesday. "However, it’s a worthwhile regulation when it adds another level of protection in our children’s safety."