A new law will go into effect April 1 that requires all prospective school district employees across the state to undergo a federal criminal history check.

This legislation will toughen an existing law that only requires a local background check unless an employee has resided outside of Pennsylvania for at least two years prior to employment.

The new law could prove difficult to maintain, according to one local school district official.

“It’s a nice thing to do, something to ensure the safety of our students,” said Bill Hodge, human resources director at Chambersburg Area School District. “(Student safety) is always our first priority, but (the new law) is going to be painful.”