U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and Senator Chuck Grassley announced on Apr. 21 that the Senate unanimously passed the Comprehensive Health and Integrity in Licensing and Documentation (CHILD) Act, which aims to ensure all individuals with unsupervised access to children, including school contractors, are eligible for nationwide background checks.
The passage of this bill addresses a gap in federal law that previously limited background check access for certain child care workers. Lawmakers say the measure is intended to improve safety for children by making thorough vetting possible for anyone entrusted with their care.
Durbin said, “Kids in schools should be surrounded by the most qualified, caring staff. A loophole in federal law inadvertently complicated the process for requesting background checks for some child care workers, namely school contractors. This bill is a simple fix to ensure nationwide access to background checks for those entrusted with our children. I’m glad to see the Senate pass it unanimously, and I encourage the House to pass it expeditiously.”
Grassley said, “Every individual who works with children must be thoroughly vetted – it’s common sense. The bipartisan CHILD Act will ensure all child care workers, including contractors, are authorized to receive a nationwide background check. I’m glad the Senate acted unanimously to pass this important legislative fix, and I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to do the same.”
Since 1993, people working with children through qualified organizations have been subject to national background checks under existing federal laws. However, changes made by legislation in 2018 unintentionally restricted these checks from being applied explicitly to contractors working at such entities.
The CHILD Act will restore businesses’ and organizations’ ability to request national-level vetting not only for employees but also licensed or certified individuals providing services or care involving vulnerable populations.
The legislation has received endorsements from several advocacy groups focused on student safety and family support.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays a significant role in shaping constitutional protections and public safety across the country through its legislative work and oversight responsibilities according to its official website. The committee reviews proposed laws related to judicial matters as part of its mandate according to its official website. It is led by a chairperson overseeing meetings that include senators from both major parties according to its official website. Based in Washington D.C., it influences legal issues throughout the United States according to its official website.
Looking ahead, supporters hope that swift action will follow in the House of Representatives so that new safeguards can be implemented nationwide.
