House OKs bill to eliminate duplicate background checks for early childhood workers

The Louisiana House on May 6 approved House Bill 352, a bill that changes requirements for criminal-background checks for early childhood educators. Representative Lorveding, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure removes what she described as a redundant second background check that employees must undergo when they earn the ECAP (Early Childhood Auxiliary Professional) credential.

Lorveding told members that an initial background check — a five-part screening that includes federal and state criminal checks and registry checks — already protects children for five years. Lawmakers and Department of Education witnesses in committee told members that the system also provides continuous monitoring: if a new criminal event appears during the five-year period, the employer and DOE receive a notice and the worker is removed from the premises.

“Once you take the ECAP test and you pass it, you don't have to do another background check until that fifth year,” Lorveding said on the floor, adding that the change would “save money and time” for centers that often pay for the second check. She emphasized that the bill does not remove the five‑year recheck cycle nor the real-time notifications that follow a new report.

Members questioned the sponsor on whether the bill eliminates safety protections; Lorveding repeated that the continuous “ping” system alerts employers and DOE to later offenses and that the statutory five‑year cadence for checks remains. Representative Stagni and others pressed for confirmation that the background checks are active during the five‑year period and that staff would be removed if a disqualifying event is reported; Lorveding confirmed both.

Representative Lorveding moved final passage. The roll-call showed 99 yeas and the bill passed.