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Senate weighs FBI fingerprint checks for childcare providers; bill circled for further work
Summary
Senate Bill 74 would require FBI fingerprint background checks for licensed childcare providers and certain residential certificate holders; sponsors said checks cost $24 each (estimated 4,000 checks, fiscal note ~$133,500); senators raised coverage and cost concerns and circled the bill for more drafting.
Senate Bill 74, presented Jan. 22, 1999 by Senator Swaso, would require FBI fingerprint background checks for employees of childcare providers and for persons applying for residential certificates to provide childcare. The sponsor described the measure as a safety net to assure national background checks in a more mobile population.
The Senate fiscal note cited in floor debate estimated a per‑check charge of $24, about 4,000 checks and a gross impact of $133,500 to the Division of Health Facilities (including one additional FTE). Senator Swaso said most of the per‑check fee is forwarded to the FBI and that the check is a screening tool; opponents and some senators warned that expanding the requirement to small home providers could impose burdens on small or informal caregivers and might increase childcare costs.
Senators asked specifically whether homes that care for a few children would be swept into the requirement; floor discussion highlighted ambiguity about which in‑home providers would need a residential certificate and whether household members with access to children would be included. The sponsor acknowledged those questions and indicated the office of licensure would be consulted.
After extended questions about fiscal and implementation details, the Senate circled SB74 for further work and left it as unfinished business. The bill remains on the Senate calendar for additional drafting and clarification on scope and cost before third reading.
