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Pa. Lawmakers Tighten Teacher Background Checks

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania teachers and other school employees will undergo more rigorous background checks under legislation sent to Gov. Tom Corbett.

The House voted unanimously on Wednesday in favor of a bill that would require schools and their contractors to conduct the checks before offering jobs to anyone who has direct contact with students.

School districts can't hide information on suspected abuse or misconduct, and could face civil penalties for providing false information.

Districts would be prohibited from agreeing to expunge or suppress information about an investigation into abuse or sexual misconduct.

Corbett's office says he plans to sign it.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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