HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Applicants for public school positions will have to undergo a criminal background check shortly after being hired, under a bill that's moving through the Connecticut General Assembly.

According to the proposed legislation, each person hired by a local or regional school board would have to undergo state and national criminal history records checks no later than five days after the new employee starts working. Currently, the checks must be conducted within 30 days.

The legislation would apply to any person hired on or after July 1.

Wilton Republican Rep. Gail Lavielle supported the bill. She said it speeds up the process so ``there's no real substantial interim'' period when school administrators might be unaware of a worker's criminal history.

The bill cleared the House unanimously Monday and moves to the Senate.