Commencing July 1, 2026, this act eliminates the provision of this section that requires new applicants for employment under this section to pay the expense for their criminal background checks.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change who pays for criminal background checks required for people applying to work in childcare and youth-serving roles in Rhode Island. Currently, new job applicants in these fields must pay for their own background checks out of pocket. Starting July 1, 2026, this bill would eliminate that requirement, meaning applicants would no longer be responsible for covering that cost themselves.

The bill would primarily affect people seeking jobs at places like daycares, after-school programs, camps, and other organizations that serve children and young people. By removing the out-of-pocket cost for applicants, the bill could make it easier and more affordable for people to enter these fields, particularly those who may not have the financial means to cover background check fees upfront. It's worth noting that the bill does not specify who would take over the cost — whether that would fall to employers, the state, or another party — which may be a detail addressed in related regulations or further legislative action.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee and has been held for further study, meaning it has not yet been passed into law. The committee is still reviewing the proposal before deciding whether to move it forward.