Bill > HB47

This bill amends Delaware state law to strengthen background check requirements for child-serving entities, particularly focusing on private schools and youth camps. The legislation removes previous exemptions that allowed private schools and youth camps to conduct less rigorous name-based background checks or opt out of background checks entirely. Instead, all private schools and youth camps must now conduct comprehensive fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as Child Protection Registry checks through the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). The bill defines key terms such as "contractor," "employee," and "volunteer" in the context of private schools and specifies that these background checks are required for all individuals with regular direct access to children. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Superintendent of State Police to create regulations about re-using background checks and requires the State Bureau of Identification to provide ongoing criminal history updates for employees and contractors. The Department of Education and Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families are now permitted to pay for background check costs for their prospective and current employees. The act will take effect on July 1, 2026, with full compliance expected by September 1, 2026, aiming to enhance child safety in educational settings.

Education

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141873