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About The Bill

Indiana’s House Bill 1264 (HB1264) creates new background screening requirements for residents who work with children. It requires all employees and volunteers at childcare facilities to authorize and pass criminal background checks. Previous law specified that people who work directly with children must be screened. HB1264 updates and strengthens that law to cover everyone who is employed at a facility for any position.

HB1264 notes that the results of a background check can be cause for adverse action, such as denial of employment. It further clarifies that if an existing worker is found to have certain types of convictions, they could be terminated or have their license revoked.

The bill stipulates that background checks must be run on:

• People who apply for a license to run a child care center.
• Anyone who will work at a facility where children receive care.
• The spouse and all household members over 18 of a person who applies for a license to operate a childcare center from their home.

Read the bill.

Support For HB1264

State Representative Chris May sponsored the bill. May said: “Our children are our most vulnerable. This legislation would eliminate a loophole that allows some who work in proximity of adolescents to bypass an important check if they’ve ever been convicted of a crime. It’s imperative we do everything we can to ensure the safety of children.”

Other legislators also demonstrated strong support. They believe it is essential to ensure that everyone who works with or around children is properly screened. According to an Indiana-based news source, an estimated 678,000 children were deemed to be victims of maltreatment in 2018. By implementing tougher background screening laws, the people of Indiana hope to create better protections for young people throughout the state.

What Virginia Employers Should Know

Employers in Virginia that provide care services for children should be aware of HB1264 and ready for compliance. This includes ensuring everyone who works or volunteers at the premises passes a background check that is completed through the state police department.

Bills like HB1264 are becoming more common. We’ve seen numerous laws put in place to help vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. This is a positive step towards protecting young people who are cared for at these establishments.

The Importance Of Screening

Every business is responsible for implementing tough background screening policies. This is done to protect the public, employees and the business. It also demonstrates that an employer is conducting due diligence and taking steps to create a safe workplace.

Background checks can show if a person has violent, sexual or other serious convictions. The experienced team at Backgrounds Online can help you build custom screening packages based on the needs of your organization and industry. Before you bring people on board, ask them to authorize a background check that includes criminal searches and other relevant components.

When you’re ready to get started, please contact us. We are available to answer questions and assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.