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Senate approves FBI background checks for licensed child‑care providers
Summary
Senate Bill 74 requires national (FBI) criminal-background checks for owners and employees of licensed residential child‑care providers and full child‑care centers; the Senate passed the bill by roll-call (28–0, 1 absent).
The Utah Senate passed Senate Bill 74 on Jan. 27, requiring national criminal-background checks (FBI checks) for individuals associated with licensed child-care operations.
Sponsor Senator Suazo told the Senate the bill adds "an extra safety net" by requiring the background check for those seeking a residential certificate (care for five to eight children other than one’s own) and for full child‑care centers (nine or more children). The sponsor clarified that the requirement applies to both owners and employees when a license or residential certificate is sought.
Questions from the floor clarified that informal neighbors caring for one to four children would not be subject to the FBI-check requirement. Senator Suazo noted that the driver-licensing division’s authority to require on-the-spot driving tests is separate; this bill is specific to criminal-background checks for childcare licensing.
A roll-call vote recorded 28 aye votes, no nay votes and one absence; the bill will be transmitted to the House for consideration.
