The bill amends Section 40-13.2-5 of the General Laws regarding the certification of childcare and youth-serving workers and operators. It establishes new requirements for criminal records checks for employees and volunteers in various childcare and youth programs, including those providing instruction, coaching, supervision, or organized activities to children or youth, such as dance, sports, cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling, martial arts, music instruction, and academic tutoring. Individuals with supervisory authority or routine contact with children are required to undergo a nationwide criminal records check, which must include fingerprint-based identification consistent with applicable federal requirements. Organizations are prohibited from allowing individuals to commence service prior to the completion of the required background checks.

The bill also specifies that, on and before June 30, 2026, the expenses associated with the criminal records check shall be paid by the applicant and/or the requesting agency. However, starting July 1, 2026, any new applicant, including those who have submitted an application for employment to any agency or entity regulated by this section, will be exempt from the payment provisions, and the nationwide criminal records check will be conducted at no charge.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals who hold an active United States government top secret sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI) security clearance to satisfy the criminal background check requirements by submitting proof of their clearance to the appropriate authorities. Upon verification of the active clearance status, the applicant will be deemed to have satisfied the nationwide criminal records check requirement, provided that the clearance remains active and in good standing. The director may promulgate regulations to establish procedures for verification and documentation of such clearance.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2960: 40-13.2-5