Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and Assemblyman Jay Webber announced on Mar. 11 the introduction of a bill that would require annual criminal background checks for coaches and instructors working with children in New Jersey youth sports. Assemblywoman Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie is also a prime sponsor of the legislation, which aims to strengthen protections for children participating in organized sports.
The proposed measure comes after concerns about gaps in oversight that have allowed individuals accused of sex crimes to work with minors. A June 2025 nj.com investigation found more than 100 coaches, trainers, and sports complex owners had been accused of sex crimes against minors, with many gaining access due to inconsistent or absent background checks.
“As a mom, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of our children,” said Katz. “Families trust youth sports leagues, clubs, and organizations with their kids every single day. This legislation ensures that every adult in those spaces is subject to consistent, thorough background checks so parents can have greater peace of mind.”
Webber said, “We know that predators go where the children are. The vetting process has not kept pace with the explosive growth of youth activities and the increasing demand for adult leaders like coaches, trainers, and instructors. We need to shore up regulations and oversight over youth organizations to protect New Jersey’s children.”
Bagolie added, “Nothing is more important than ensuring that every adult who works with our children keeps them safe. That responsibility extends to every area of their lives, including youth leagues, sports clubs, and training programs across our state. Requiring annual criminal background checks for coaches and instructors will establish a clear, consistent statewide standard, close gaps in the current system, and strengthen protections for children participating in youth sports.”
Current state law allows significant variation between leagues regarding background check requirements; some require stringent screening while others do not require any at all. The state sex offender registry created under Megan’s Law has also been criticized as ineffective—according to a 2009 study cited by nj.com’s investigation—since most offenders do not appear on it.
In related legislative news: DiMaio has been involved with the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to the official legislative roster. He represents District 23—including Hackettstown—and served as mayor there from 1991 to 1999 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio joined the General Assembly in 2009 and became Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to the official legislative roster. He held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012-2017 and Budget Officer from 2018-2019 as per the official legislative roster, and has worked as a legislator as noted in the official legislative roster.
Lawmakers say they hope this new bill will create uniform standards across all youth sports organizations statewide.
