Senate committee OKs printing of bill clarifying fingerprint checks for counselors and therapists

Sen. Mark Harris, R‑District 35, told the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee that RS31866 would modify how fingerprint-based criminal background checks apply to counselors and therapists in Idaho.

Harris said the change responds to House Bill 490, enacted last year, which allowed the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses to require fingerprint checks in anticipation of an interstate licensing compact that ultimately did not pass. "This just makes it clear that DOPL is not absolutely required by House Bill 490 to do fingerprint based criminal background checks, but instead can later require this for licensed applicants of counselors and therapists if necessary," Harris said.

The sponsor described the statement of purpose as fiscally neutral and said the amendment aligns with House Bill 490 while giving DOPL flexibility to require fingerprinting only when the division deems it necessary. No public testimony was recorded on the item.

After brief discussion, Senator Burn moved that RS31866 be sent to print; a second was made and the motion carried by voice vote. The committee did not record an individual roll-call tally in the transcript.

Next steps: RS31866 will be printed for further legislative processing; committee members did not amend the draft during the meeting.