The bill amends Section 40-13.2-5 of the General Laws concerning the certification of childcare and youth-serving workers and operators. It introduces new legal language that mandates a comprehensive nationwide criminal records check for individuals seeking employment in various childcare settings, including child day care programs, family daycare homes, and child-placing agencies. The checks must conform to federal standards and include fingerprinting. Additionally, the bill specifies that these criminal background checks must be conducted every five years for continuous employment in childcare roles.

A significant change in the bill is the deletion of a previous provision that required applicants to bear the costs of their criminal background checks. Starting July 1, 2025, new applicants will no longer be responsible for these expenses, as the checks will be conducted at no charge. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of various agencies in conducting these checks and ensures that both applicants and employers are informed of the results, whether disqualifying information is found or not. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
154: 40-13.2-5