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Subcommittee narrows fingerprint-check language for some adults with unsupervised contact with children in DSS custody
Summary
The subcommittee gave SB 996 a favorable report after adopting an amendment that narrows a broadly worded phrase the FBI had deemed too vague, aligning fingerprint-based background checks with a defined class of child-welfare workers, contractors and volunteers, according to DSS testimony.
The Domestic Relations Business and Probate Law Subcommittee on April 30 adopted an amendment and gave a favorable report to Senate Bill 996, which narrows the statute governing fingerprint-based FBI background checks for individuals who have direct, unsupervised contact with children in Department of Social Services custody.
Representative Beth Bernstein, chair of the subcommittee, said the bill addresses FBI concerns that the existing phrase 'direct unsupervised contact with the child in custody of DSS' was overly broad and did not define a sufficiently specific category of covered persons. "This is a narrow bill that amends the code section governing fingerprint based background checks for such persons," Bernstein said.
Connolly Ann Ragley of the Department of Social Services told the panel the statute was last updated in 2024 and that the FBI asked for tightened definitions after reviewing that amended language. "Your summary was right on the money," Ragley said, adding that SLED has worked with DSS and the FBI to craft clarifying language and that the agency had no concerns with the amended text.
Committee members asked whether the terms "contractor or subcontractor" and "volunteer" would capture employees of group-home providers, psychiatric residential treatment facilities and nonprofit volunteers who work with youth; Ragley confirmed those providers and volunteers could fall within the statute when they are performing care on behalf of DSS.
Chair Bernstein moved an amendment to replace a prior enumerated list of service categories with the broader term "child welfare services" while incorporating DSS and FBI guidance. The amendment was adopted by voice vote, and a roll call recorded three ayes, two not voting and zero against. The subcommittee then ordered a favorable report for SB 996 as amended.
The bill will proceed from the subcommittee with the committee's recommendation; no second or full-chamber action was taken at the hearing.
