Certain recipients of money appropriated from the environment and natural resources trust fund required to perform criminal background checks on employees, volunteers, and contractors that work with children.

The bill requires organizations that receive funding from Minnesota's environment and natural resources trust fund to conduct criminal background checks on their employees, volunteers, and contractors who work with children. This measure aims to ensure the safety of children involved in programs funded by these resources.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a crucial step in protecting children from potential harm by ensuring that individuals working with them have undergone thorough background checks. They believe this measure will increase public trust in organizations funded by the environment and natural resources trust fund.

Critics may contend that the bill imposes unnecessary burdens on organizations that rely on trust fund money, potentially limiting their ability to operate effectively. They might argue that existing safeguards are sufficient and that additional regulations could deter volunteers and contractors from participating in important community programs.