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Committee moves bill to codify background-check rules into statute; department gives cost details
Summary
House Bill 494 would move current administrative background-check rules into statute so Idaho can continue FBI cooperation; the department said applicants pay $70 per background check and that the sex-offender registry check remains part of the consolidated process.
Representative Josh Wheeler told the committee that House Bill 494 would convert administrative background-check rules into statute to provide clarity and ensure continued FBI cooperation for checks used in childcare, foster care and care of vulnerable adults. "This bill does not add any additional background checks, it does not add any additional requirements on background checks," Wheeler said; the aim, he said, is to codify existing practice.
Representative Kaler asked about applicant costs. Jared Larson, Chief of Staff at the Department of Health and Welfare, said: "The cost is $70 for every person, and the law has always said... that individuals who are seeking the background check will pay the cost." Larson also clarified that the state sex-offender registry check is not being excluded and will remain part of the consolidated background check in the new chapter created by the bill.
Committee members asked questions about timing of checks and the basis for the FBI requirement; Wheeler said he had seen a memo stating the FBI wants background checks enacted by statute. The committee moved and voted to send House Bill 494 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the motion carried.
