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Committee backs bill clarifying background‑check authority for counselors and therapists
Summary
Senate Bill 1018 would make fingerprinting for counselor and therapist licensure discretionary under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses rather than mandatory; the committee voted to send it to the Senate floor with a due‑pass recommendation.
Boise — The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 1018 to the full Senate after sponsor Sen. Mark Harris said the bill clarifies fingerprinting and criminal‑background‑check language for counselor and therapist licensing statutes.
“The change clarifies that fingerprinting is not required in every instance, but can be [...] if the division later determines that it’s necessary,” Harris told the committee, explaining the 2024 Legislature added fingerprinting language in anticipation of an interstate counselors compact that ultimately did not pass.
Harris said the bill does not alter rule‑making authority, licensing scope, discipline, or supervision, and carries no fiscal impact to the general fund. Committee members asked whether licensees or stakeholder groups opposed the measure; Harris and staff reported no objections in the hearing record.
Senator Guthrie moved and Senator Ward Engleking seconded that the committee recommend the bill “do pass.” The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the chair announced the bill will be sent to the Senate floor with a due‑pass recommendation.
