summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the purpose of the amendatory Act is to ensure that individuals with felony convictions are not assigned to child protective investigations or issued a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL). Prohibits persons with a felony conviction from holding a CWEL, performing child protection investigations, or supervising investigation staff. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services and every purchase of service agency that contracts with the Department to require all child welfare employees to undergo a fingerprint-based background check, a statewide criminal history search, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation national criminal history background check every 3 years during the term of employment. Requires the Department to revoke a child welfare employee's CWEL immediately upon discovery that the employee has a felony conviction. Prohibits POS agencies that contract with the Department from employing any person convicted of a felony to work as a child welfare employee and sets forth certain penalties for violations of the prohibition. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill aims to enhance the integrity of child welfare services by preventing individuals with felony convictions from working in sensitive positions. Specifically, it prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from obtaining or holding a Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL), which is a credential required for certain roles, or from conducting child protection investigations or supervising those who do. To enforce this, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and any agencies that contract with DCFS to provide services (referred to as purchase of service or POS agencies) must require all child welfare employees to undergo regular, comprehensive background checks, including fingerprint-based checks, statewide criminal history searches, and FBI national criminal history checks, every three years. If a felony conviction is discovered, the DCFS must immediately revoke the employee's CWEL. Furthermore, POS agencies are explicitly forbidden from hiring individuals with felony convictions for child welfare roles and face significant penalties, including a $10,000 fine per violation, contract termination, and potential legal action by the Attorney General, if they violate this prohibition. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/14/2026)
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