FORT WAYNE, Ind (WOWO:) The Indiana House of Representatives has passed legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) that expands criminal background checks in Hoosier schools.

The bill requires all Indiana public, charter, and accredited nonpublic schools to either conduct an expanded criminal history check or enter into a contract with a consumer reporting agency to conduct a background check.

The legislation applies to both certified and noncertified positions in the school.

“The purpose of this bill is to increase safety in our schools,” said GiaQuinta. “This is our way of ensuring we make the best and safest decisions when it comes to who teaches our children. It’s a bipartisan effort that everyone can support.”

The bill passed through the House on a 97-0 vote.