(STATEHOUSE) – State Rep. Chris May’s (R-Bedford) legislation requiring national criminal history background checks on all employees and volunteers at licensed child care facilities could soon be law.
Currently, only volunteers and employees having direct contact with children must submit to a background check. If signed into law by the governor, all workers at daycare facilities will be vetted for any criminal history. Failure to do so could result in a child care center’s license being revoked.
“It’s paramount that we do everything we can to protect our children,” May said. “This is a simple measure that ensures anyone with easy access to kids hasn’t been previously convicted of any crimes, particularly those involving adolescents.”
In its latest data, the United States Children’s Bureau estimates 678,000 children were victims of maltreatment in 2018.
“Any way we can further ensure the safety of children, without causing undue burden, is worth pursuing,” May said. “Most daycares provide a safe environment, but closing any loopholes in the law will help guarantee that remains the case.”
House Enrolled Act 1264 now goes to the governor for consideration as a new law. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
