Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1036

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Child care; modifying eligibility for employment due to conviction. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB1036 would impact existing laws relating to child care and child safety, reinforcing the requirement for thorough background investigations before hiring individuals in child care settings. The bill mandates that certain criminal history searches must be conducted not only for new hires but also for existing employees at intervals, while specific protocols for handling and sharing such sensitive information are established. This change is anticipated to enhance the overall safety environment in child care facilities throughout Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 1036, introduced by Jett, seeks to amend Oklahoma's child care regulations by modifying the criteria for employment eligibility based on an individual's criminal history. The bill specifically targets the rules governing whether individuals with certain convictions can work in child care facilities or with children in general. It emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive background checks, including a national criminal history records search, to ensure that all personnel involved in child care possess the requisite qualifications and do not present a risk to children under their supervision.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding the bill is the proposal that a criminal conviction should not automatically disqualify an individual from employment within child care services. This aspect has raised concerns among advocates for child safety who fear that loosening restrictions could allow potentially harmful individuals access to vulnerable populations. Supporters argue that each case should be evaluated based on the nature of the offense and its relevance to the duties of the position being sought, emphasizing rehabilitation rather than outright exclusion based on past mistakes.