The bill amends the existing child care licensing law in Michigan, specifically section 5n of 1973 PA 116, to enhance the requirements for criminal history checks and eligibility determinations for individuals applying to operate or work in child care facilities. Key changes include the requirement for the Department of State Police to conduct thorough background checks, including reviews of databases for previous disciplinary actions, national sex offender registries, and state criminal registries. The language has been updated to specify that individuals must provide written consent for these checks and submit their fingerprints for processing. Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals who have resided outside the U.S. in the past five years must provide equivalent clearances from those countries, if available.

The bill also introduces a more structured process for determining eligibility based on the results of these checks, including provisions for individuals to request redetermination if they believe they have been inaccurately deemed ineligible. It emphasizes the importance of timely communication regarding eligibility status, requiring the department to provide results within 45 days. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that individuals who have previously undergone a criminal history check and have remained continuously licensed are not required to undergo another check upon renewal. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the safety and regulatory framework surrounding child care organizations in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.115