SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2658

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Human Services & Corrections, February 23, 2012

Title: An act relating to exempting qualified licensed child care providers from school district and educational service district records check requirements.

Brief Description: Exempting qualified licensed child care providers from school district and educational service district records check requirements.

Sponsors: House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representative Kagi).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/12, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/21/12, 2/23/12 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell, Harper, McAuliffe and Padden.

Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)

Background: In 2011 the Legislature passed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which requires the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to establish a portable background check registry effective July 1, 2012. After this date, all licensees will have to undergo a fingerprint-based background check and will receive a background check clearance card or certificate valid for three years which the licensee or employee may transfer to different jobs or job locations.

Employees of school districts, educational service districts, the Washington State center for childhood deafness and hearing loss, the state school for the blind, and their contractors who have regularly scheduled unsupervised access to children must have a fingerprint background check through the Washington State Patrol prior to employment.

Summary of Bill: Individuals who hold a valid portable background check clearance card issued by DEL are exempted from the requirement to undergo a background check prior to employment by a school district, educational service district, the Washington State center for childhood deafness and hearing loss, or the state school for the blind.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill would eliminate duplicative background checks required under statue for some employees on behalf of DEL and the school districts. The DEL background check is more intensive and thorough than the background check required for the school district.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Amy Blondin, DEL.