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Senate panel lets amendment on counselor fingerprint checks go to print
Summary
The Idaho Senate Commerce Committee voted to send RS31866 — which would make fingerprint-based criminal background checks for counselors and therapists discretionary for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — to print after a brief presentation by Sen. Mark Harris.
Sen. Mark Harris, R–District 35, told the Senate Commerce Committee that RS31866 would modify House Bill 490’s licensing language so fingerprint-based criminal background checks for counselors and therapists would be required only if the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) determines they are necessary.
Harris said HB 490 had added fingerprint checks in anticipation of passage of an interstate licensure compact that ultimately did not pass, and RS31866 clarifies that DOPL is not automatically required to collect fingerprints for every counseling applicant.
The measure’s stated effect is fiscally neutral and intended to give DOPL flexibility to streamline licensing while retaining the option to require fingerprint checks when appropriate. After Harris finished presenting, Senator Burnt moved to send RS31866 to print, with Senator Guthrie seconding. The committee voted in favor and the RS was ordered printed.
The action does not enact a change in law; it sends the revised statutory language forward in the legislative process for drafting and further consideration.
