This bill amends existing laws regarding the child care licensing process by allowing the child care licensing unit of the Department of Health and Human Services to directly access criminal history and record information from the state police. The bill specifies that the division of state police will conduct criminal history checks, replacing the term "background investigation" with "criminal history report" and ensuring that the department receives a comprehensive report of the applicant's criminal history, including confidential information. The department is mandated to maintain the confidentiality of all received criminal history records.

Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for determining an applicant's eligibility for employment in child care settings. It includes provisions for individuals who have been charged or convicted of serious offenses, such as murder, child abuse, and various violent or sexually-related crimes, which may indicate a potential threat to children. The bill also repeals certain existing statutes related to the child care licensing fund and establishes that any remaining funds in this fund will lapse into the state general fund by June 30, 2025. The effective date for the majority of the bill is set for July 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect earlier.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:8-a, 188-G:3
As Amended by the House: 21-N:8-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-N:8-a