Background checks sought for Santas
Skoufis bill calls for checks on costumed persons who have ‘substantial contact with children’
State Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat, wants to make sure all Santas are on the nice list.
The freshman senator from Cornwall, who represents the 39th Senate District, has introduced a bill that will “better protect children from predators who seek work as mall Santas, Easter bunnies, and other characters,” according to a press release from Skoufis’ office.
The bill requires background checks prior to employment for any person whose job involves “substantial contact with children while dressed as a children’s character,” and establishes penalties for violations, the release said.
“There’s a list, it’s time we check it twice,” Skoufis said. “The disturbing reality is that around the country, there have been incidents where sex offenders have been hired as Santa, exposing children to significant threats.
“New York needs to keep our communities safe by requiring background checks for these indi
viduals interacting with children because our families deserve nothing less,” Skoufis said. “It’s shocking to me that this isn’t law already; let’s not waste another holiday season allowing our children to be put at risk.”
Skoufis’ office said there are too many children who could be exposed to predators.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of children around New York pose for pictures with people dressed as Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, and other children’s characters at malls,” the release said. “In many cases, the adults dressed as Santa or other children’s characters are in close physical contact with children, including having them sit on their lap.
“However, unlike most other instances where people work with children, there is no requirement that people paid to costume as Santa and similar characters be screened to see if they have a history of child sexual abuse,” the release said.
Skoufis’ bill has gathered support from members of both parties.
“I have consistently supported strong legislation to protect children from predators, including enactment of the New York State Sex Offender Registry,” said state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, who represents the 51st Senate District. “At first glance, this bill appears to be a common sense measure and I will be reviewing the details.”
Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, agreed. Tague represents the 102nd Assembly District.
“It’s a sad state of affairs when child predators are dressing up as Santa to get closer to children,” Tague said in a statement. “This legislation is a great common-sense, goal-oriented measure that everyone should be able to support. Protecting our children is a number-one priority, end of discussion.”
Skoufis’ district includes the towns of Marlborough and Plattekill in Ulster County.