Acting on a special investigative report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ("Many with criminal pasts found on PIAA's roster of sports referees," Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008), Rep. Tim Solobay introduced House Bill 2789 that would require background checks on all Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association officials who have direct contact with children.

According to the Post-Gazette article, an investigation into more than 2,000 PIAA officials' criminal histories uncovered that some had been convicted of child abuse, sexual battery and child pornography.

Rep. Solobay was pleased to learn that the PIAA is following his lead and working to implement background checks.

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