Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to clarify and correct cross-references in the definitions related to child care background checks in Minnesota statutes. This ensures that all individuals associated with child care programs undergo the appropriate background studies as required by law.

Main Provisions

• The bill defines what it means to be a "child care background study subject." It includes individuals affiliated with various child care centers and programs, both licensed and license-exempt.
• It specifies that background studies apply to employees, volunteers, contractors, and others who have unsupervised physical access to children in care.
• It clarifies that those living in a household where licensed services are provided, including individuals aged 10 or older, must also be subject to background studies under certain conditions.
• It details circumstances when an individual providing services outside a child care program does not require a background check, such as when the child is signed out of the program, with parental permission documented.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill corrects and clarifies existing cross-references within statutory definitions to avoid any confusion regarding who is subject to background studies for child care.
• It explicitly defines the circumstances under which individuals such as volunteers or contractors are required to have background checks.

Relevant Terms

• Child care background study
• Licensed child care center
• License-exempt child care
• Background check
• Unsupervised access
• Child care provider
• Legal nonlicensed child care