Summary — SB 25‑146: Fingerprint‑Based Criminal History Record Checks
Status: Governor Signed (June 2, 2025)
Introduced: February 5, 2025
Bill number: SB 25‑146
Classification: bill
Note: The full bill text was not provided. The summary below describes the bill’s purpose, likely key provisions, affected parties, and procedural history based on the bill title and available legislative metadata. For precise statutory changes, consult the enrolled bill text on the Colorado General Assembly website.
Purpose and intent
SB 25‑146 concerns the use of fingerprint‑based criminal history record checks. Its primary intent is to establish, modify, or clarify when and how fingerprint‑based (biometric) checks of criminal history records may be required or used by state agencies, licensing boards, employers, schools, or other entities that currently rely on criminal background information.
Likely key provisions (based on title)
Because the bill text is not included here, the following describes the sorts of substantive provisions typically contained in legislation of this type. Confirm specifics in the enrolled bill.
- Authorization and scope
- Identifies which agencies, licensing boards, or regulated sectors (e.g., childcare, health care, education, long‑term care, contractors) may require fingerprint‑based criminal history checks in lieu of or in addition to name‑based checks.
- Procedures for fingerprint collection
- Establishes approved methods or vendors for capturing and submitting fingerprints (live‑scan, card scan) and sets standards for transmission to state/federal repositories.
- Criminal record reporting and use limits
- Specifies which convictions, pending charges, or juvenile records may be reported and how agencies may use the information in licensing/employment decisions.
- Privacy, retention, and expungement
- May address retention periods for submitted fingerprints, access controls, and how sealed or expunged records are handled.
- Fees and funding
- Authorizes fees charged to applicants to cover fingerprinting and background check costs and may direct fee recipients (e.g., Department of Public Safety).
- Dispute and appeal rights
- Provides processes for individuals to challenge or correct inaccurate records (e.g., fingerprint mismatch, criminal record errors).
- Implementation timing and rulemaking
- Directs affected agencies to adopt rules or guidance and sets effective dates for new requirements.
Who would be affected
- Applicants for state licenses, certifications, or employment in positions covered by the bill
- Employers and licensing boards that perform background checks
- Criminal justice agencies and the state repository (e.g., Colorado Bureau of Investigation / CJIS)
- Fingerprint service vendors and third‑party background check providers
- Individuals concerned about privacy, record accuracy, and sealing/expungement outcomes
Procedural timeline (selected actions)
- Feb 5, 2025 — Introduced in Senate; assigned to Business, Labor, & Technology
- Feb 25–28, 2025 — Amended in Senate committee and passed Senate readings
- Mar 3 – Apr 15, 2025 — Considered and amended in House; passed House third reading
- Apr 29, 2025 — Sent to Governor; signed by legislative leaders
- Jun 2, 2025 — Governor signed (bill enacted)
Sponsors
Primary sponsors: Janice Rich; Dafna Michaelson Jenet; Anthony Hartsook; Meghan Lukens
Cosponsors include M. Lindsay, S. Bird, M. Ball, M. Catlin, L. Liston, M. Duran, T. Sullivan, C. Clifford
Next steps / where to read the law
- Consult the enrolled/approved bill text and the session law for exact statutory changes and the effective date. Search SB 25‑146 on the Colorado General Assembly website or contact the bill’s legislative office for details.
