An act relating to waiver of criminal history record fees for certain DAIL volunteers

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Noyes

The bill waives criminal history background check fees for eligible DAIL volunteers, easing onboarding while maintaining standard screening requirements.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Bill Summary: H 682 (2025-2026) – Waiver of Criminal History Record Fees for Certain DAIL Volunteers

Purpose and Intent

The bill proposes waiving the payment of criminal history background check fees for certain volunteers associated with the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL).

Aim: reduce barriers to volunteering in roles that support older Vermonters and individuals with disabilities, by removing cost as a disincentive for placement in temporary or volunteer positions.

Key Provisions and Changes

Waiver of Fees: The core provision directs that the fees ordinarily charged for criminal history record checks shall be waived for specified DAIL volunteer positions. This typically involves fingerprint-based background checks or other criminal history inquiries required for volunteers.

Scope of Volunteers: The waiver applies to volunteers connected with DAIL-related programs and services. This may include volunteers assisting with senior services, respite programs, caregiving support, and other activities under DAIL’s purview.

Compliance with Background Check Requirements: While fees are waived, volunteers would still be subject to the standard background screening process, including the assessment of records for suitability. The bill does not necessarily alter the statutory standards for disqualifying crimes but waives the financial barrier to completing the check.

Administrative Implementation: The bill would authorize or direct relevant state agencies to implement the fee waiver, ensuring that processing systems recognize the exemption for eligible DAIL volunteers.

Beneficiaries and Impacted Groups

Primary Beneficiaries: Prospective and current volunteers serving in DAIL programs who would otherwise face the cost of criminal history checks.

Indirect Beneficiaries: Older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families who rely on DAIL volunteer-supported services, since easier volunteer onboarding could expand program capacity and service availability.

Administrative Impact: State agencies would need to adjust billing and fee-tracking processes to reflect the waiver for qualifying volunteers.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Current Status: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (as of 2026-01-14). This indicates the bill is at the initial stage of the legislative process and will undergo committee review.

Next Steps: The Judiciary Committee would examine the bill, potentially hear testimony, and consider any amendments before reporting it back to the full House for consideration. If advanced, it would proceed through the normal state legislative timeline (committee vote, floor votes, and then potential passage or revision).

Additional Observations

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Rep. Dan Noyes, indicating legislative support within the sponsor’s caucus.

Fiscal Considerations: While specific fiscal impacts are not provided in the summary, the primary effect is a reduction in public revenue collected from background check fees for eligible volunteers. The bill would need to include a mechanism to ensure the waiver is applied consistently.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to include potential fiscal impact estimates or compare it to existing Vermont statutes governing background check fees and volunteer exemptions.