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HB 175

$PROP TAX APP BD-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 175 mandates comprehensive background checks for employees in early care programs, ensuring only qualified individuals work with children, enhancing safety.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 175

Summary of House Bill 175 (HB 175)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 175 aims to enhance the safety and security of children in early care and education programs, including Head Start programs, by revising the requirements for employee background checks. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals working with children undergo comprehensive background checks to promote a safe environment in educational settings.

Key Provisions

HB 175 introduces several important changes to the existing laws governing background checks for employees in early care and education programs:

  1. Definitions:

    • The bill adds a definition for "Head Start program," aligning it with the federal Head Start Act.

  2. Comprehensive Records Check:

    • It revises the definition of "comprehensive records check determination" to include:
      • FBI fingerprint checks.
      • Searches of the National Sex Offender Registry.
      • Criminal history checks, including state-specific child abuse and neglect registries.
      • Checks of criminal registries in states where the individual has resided in the past five years.

  3. Background Check Process:

    • The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is mandated to conduct thorough background checks for all current and potential employees, directors, and affiliated individuals in programs receiving federal funds for child care.
    • Individuals must submit fingerprints and applications to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for state and national checks.

  4. Determination of Suitability:

    • The department will notify applicants of their background check results. If an individual receives an unsatisfactory determination, they are prohibited from being present at the facility while children are present until they obtain a satisfactory check or have the determination reversed.

  5. Licensing and Funding:

    • The bill stipulates that the department may revoke or deny licenses for programs that fail to comply with the background check requirements. Additionally, funding will cease for non-compliant individuals or programs.

  6. Documentation:

    • Early care and education programs are required to maintain documentation of background checks in employee personnel files, which must be available for departmental review.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Employees and Directors: All current and potential employees and directors of early care and education programs and Head Start programs will be subject to the new background check requirements.
  • Children and Families: The bill aims to protect children enrolled in these programs by ensuring that only individuals with satisfactory background checks are allowed to work with them.
  • Early Care and Education Programs: Programs that do not comply with the new regulations may face revocation of their licenses and loss of funding.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
  • Legislative Journey: HB 175 was introduced on January 14, 2025, and has passed through various committees and readings in both the House and Senate, ultimately being signed into law on May 13, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 175 represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety of children in early care and education settings by implementing rigorous background check requirements for employees. This legislation underscores the importance of safeguarding children and maintaining high standards in educational environments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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