SF2515

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update the background study requirements for child care providers in Minnesota. The changes are intended to enhance the safety of children by ensuring that all individuals associated with child care have been thoroughly vetted for any criminal history or disqualifying actions.

Main Provisions

• Coordination with Law Enforcement: The bill introduces a new requirement for the Commissioner to coordinate with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). This entails submitting requests to the BCA for information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding child care background study subjects.
• Frequency of Checks: Background checks must be conducted every six months for licensed child care providers, ensuring that any new relevant information is consistently updated and reviewed.
• Handling Disqualifications: If a disqualification is made based on information obtained, the commissioner is not allowed to share the specific reasons for the disqualification with the license holder or the entity that requested the background study, maintaining confidentiality around sensitive data.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies existing law by adding a requirement to use national databases for information that could impact the approval of individuals involved in child care.
• It updates how disqualifications are communicated, restricting the dissemination of specific details related to why an individual was disqualified following a background check.
• Changes are also made in regard to disqualification criteria, including additional triggers for disqualification and methods for contesting or reconsidering a disqualification.

Relevant Terms

• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• Background study
• Child care provider
• Disqualification
• Direct contact with children
• Felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor
• Parental rights termination
• Administrative determination