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, replacing the term "background investigation" with "criminal history report." Additionally, the report will include confidential criminal history record information and will indicate if the individual is registered on the National Sex Offender Registry. The department is required to maintain the confidentiality of all received criminal history records.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the criteria for determining an applicant's eligibility for employment in child care settings, particularly focusing on individuals with certain criminal backgrounds. It introduces new language regarding individuals who have been "charged pending disposition" or convicted of serious offenses, including violent crimes and sexual offenses against children. The bill also includes provisions for the lapse of funds in the child care licensing fund into the state general fund by June 30, 2025, and repeals certain sections related to the establishment of this fund. The effective date for the majority of the bill is set for July 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect earlier.

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