Expanding Background Checks for Contractors and Caregivers

Summary#

This bill changes the National Child Protection Act of 1993 by expanding who counts as a “covered individual” for purposes of background checks. The text adds people who contract with or work under contracts with organizations that serve vulnerable populations. It also adds people who are licensed or certified by a qualified entity, and people who seek those licenses or certifications. The changes are made by amending Section 5(9)(B) of the Act and adding new clauses that list these groups.

What it means for you#

  • If you run or work for an organization that serves children or other vulnerable groups, the organization may be able to request background checks for contractors, employees, volunteers, and people you license or certify.
  • If you are a contractor, volunteer, employee, or someone seeking a license or certification from such an organization, you may be a “covered individual” and subject to background checks under the Act.
  • The bill applies these changes by adding specific categories to the Act’s definition of covered individuals.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs or budget effects is included in the bill text or the provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s title and text show that sponsors introduced it to ensure businesses and organizations that work with vulnerable populations can request background checks for contractors and for individuals they license or certify. The bill was introduced by Representatives Russell Fry and Jared Moskowitz and lists additional sponsors.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents’ views or formal objections is included in the bill text or the provided metadata.