Summary
Allows organizations to run background checks on contractors and licensed individuals who work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
What does this bill do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(1)
Header:
Defining 'covered individual' for purposes of background checks
Includes contractors in background checks
Allows organizations to request background checks for individuals they contract with, not just those they directly employ.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(5)
Header:
Defining 'covered individual' for purposes of background checks
Includes licensed or certified individuals
Permits organizations to run background checks on people they license or certify to provide care, such as certified babysitters or tutors.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(3)
Header:
Defining 'covered individual' for purposes of background checks
Covers employees of contractors
Extends background check eligibility to people who work for or volunteer with an entity that is under contract with a qualified organization.
Who does this affect?
- Contractors working with vulnerable populations
- Organizations serving children, the elderly, or disabled individuals
- Vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled)
What is the real world impact?
•
Closes a background check loophole
Ensures that contractors and licensed individuals, not just employees, undergo background checks before working with vulnerable groups. This helps prevent individuals with a history of abuse from gaining access to these populations through a different employment status.
What problem does this solve?
Some people working with children, like contractors, could avoid background checks that were required for regular employees. This bill closes that gap by making sure contractors and licensed workers also get background checks to protect vulnerable people.
When does this start?
This bill would take effect as soon as it is signed into law.