Bill > SB0064

This bill amends Michigan's child care licensing law to strengthen background check requirements and protections for child care organizations. The bill prohibits child care organizations from charging employees or job applicants for criminal background checks, which were previously optional but are now mandatory before hiring. Specifically, child care organizations must conduct criminal history checks using the state police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or an equivalent check from the individual's state or province of residence before making a conditional employment offer. If these checks reveal a conviction for a listed offense, the organization cannot hire or continue to employ that individual. The bill also requires more comprehensive background screening for child care staff, including national sex offender registry checks, state criminal registry searches, and fingerprint-based checks through state police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For individuals who have lived outside the United States in the past five years, additional international clearances or self-certification statements are required. The bill ensures that background checks must be updated at least every five years and provides a process for individuals to request redetermination if they believe their ineligibility determination is inaccurate. These changes aim to enhance child safety by creating more rigorous screening processes for those working in child care settings.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0064