Bill would remove up‑front fee barrier for childcare background checks; supporters call for continued state funding

Providence — Vice Chair Geraldo introduced H 7428 to remove the requirement that new childcare and youth‑serving workers pay the out‑of‑pocket costs for criminal background checks and fingerprinting, a requirement the sponsor said can prevent new hires from taking positions.

Geraldo noted the state previously covered the cost for about five years but that coverage is set to expire; he and supporters said $45 — the fee quoted in testimony — is significant for workers who earn roughly $15–$19 an hour and can represent multiple hours of gross pay before taxes. Childcare directors and the Rhode Island Child Care Directors Association testified in favor and asked the state to continue absorbing the cost, noting some small employers currently pay upfront and sometimes lose that outlay if hires do not start.

Committee members asked about the revenue treatment of the fee and whether the cost is material to the AG’s office or to state budgets. Sponsors said they would follow up with more precise fiscal numbers; the Committee closed the hearing with broad support from providers and advocates and asked staff to consider amendments or budgetary language to sustain the practice going forward.

Next steps: staff will gather fiscal and administrative data on background‑check processing and fee flows to inform an amendment or budget provision.