The bill amends Section 40-13.2-5 of the General Laws concerning the certification of childcare and youth-serving workers and operators. It requires employees of child day care, daycare centers, family daycare homes, group family daycare homes, child-placing agencies, and residential childcare facilities that must be licensed by the department to undergo a comprehensive nationwide criminal records check. This check will be conducted by the department, the office of the attorney general, local police departments, or the department of children, youth and families.

The bill specifies that the comprehensive nationwide criminal records check will be provided to the applicant for employment. Any expenses associated with providing the criminal records check to an existing employee shall be paid by the applicant and/or the requesting agency. However, effective July 1, 2026, any new applicant, which includes any person who has submitted an application for employment to any agency or entity regulated by this section, shall be exempt from the payment provisions of this section, and the nationwide criminal records check shall be conducted at no charge.

Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the safety and oversight of childcare services while removing financial barriers for individuals seeking employment in these roles.

Statutes affected:
2173: 40-13.2-5