This bill amends existing laws regarding child care licensing by allowing the child care licensing unit of the Department of Health and Human Services to directly access an applicant's criminal history from the state police. The bill specifies that the state police will conduct a criminal history report, which includes confidential criminal history record information and checks against the National Sex Offender Registry. The department is required to maintain the confidentiality of all received criminal history records. The language changes include the replacement of "background investigation" with "criminal history report" and the addition of provisions for the department to consider pending charges when determining an applicant's eligibility.

Additionally, the bill establishes a timeline for the department to make eligibility determinations, requiring a decision within 45 days of receiving all necessary information. It outlines specific offenses that would disqualify an applicant, including various violent and sexually-related crimes against children and adults. The bill also includes provisions for the lapse of any remaining funds in the child care licensing fund into the state general fund by June 30, 2025, and repeals certain sections related to the child care licensing fund. The effective date for the majority of the bill is set for July 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect on June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 170-E:7
Version adopted by both bodies: 170-E:7
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 170-E:7, 170-E:29-a
SB22 text: 170-E:7