The bill amends Section 40-13.2-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 40-13.2, which is titled "Certification of Childcare and Youth-Serving Workers and Operators." The amendment includes the insertion of new legal language that expands the scope of the section to include employees of child day care programs, daycare centers, family daycare homes, group family daycare homes, child-placing agencies, and residential childcare facilities that must be licensed by the department. The bill specifies that these individuals must apply for a nationwide criminal records check, which must conform to federal standards and include fingerprinting. The checks are required every five years of continuous childcare employment. Additionally, the bill deletes subsection (d) and inserts language in subsection (h) to make the nationwide criminal records check comprehensive.

The bill also introduces a change regarding the payment for the criminal records check. Previously, new applicants for employment under this section were required to pay for their background checks. The bill repeals this provision, stating that effective July 1, 2024, new applicants will be exempt from the payment provisions of this section, and the nationwide criminal records check will be conducted at no charge to them. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7031: 40-13.2-5