Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-718-R2

2nd Redraft EDU 718

Early Education background checks

Messrs. Tarr, Durant, O'Connor and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 85 the following section:-

"SECTION 85A. Not later than March 1, 2026, the department of early education and care shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on education detailing the feasibility of expanding background record checks of candidates for licensure, employment or presence in programs licensed, approved or funded by the department of early education and care. The report shall include, but not be limited to: (i) information on international databases that include criminal history records and the ability of the department to access said databases; (ii) strategies for ensuring background checks are conducted with all reasonably available information; (iii) best practices for conducting provider background checks in other states; and (iv) any additional information pertaining to improving the process for conducting background checks for early education programs in the commonwealth.”