OLYMPIA, WA – A pair of lawmakers in Vancouver is taking steps to protect children in youth sports programs after a constituent uncovered a serious safety gap.

Representative John Ley has authored a bill endorsed by his seatmate, Representative Stephanie McClintock, that would strengthen safety requirements for youth sports programs after a constituent discovered a convicted sex offender had been hired as a coach.

“A new coach was hired, and the parents started saying, ‘Anybody know this person?’ They did a background check, and he was a convicted sex offender. And they said, ‘What? Wait a minute, we don’t want this,'” said Ley.

Ley says the program’s administrators allowed the coach to stay until parents went public and forced his removal.

House Bill 2180 would require youth sports organizations to submit background checks before hiring any coach. And it would prohibit organizations from employing anyone convicted of crimes against children or other persons.

Ley and McClintock say protecting kids must be a top priority. And they’re hoping to move the bill forward in the coming legislative session.