CHILD Act of 2025 Proposes Wider Net for Background Checks: Contractors, Volunteers, and Licensed Pros Could Be Included

A new piece of legislation, dubbed the "Comprehensive Health and Integrity in Licensing and Documentation Act of 2025" or "CHILD Act of 2025," is on the table, aiming to expand who needs a background check when working with or around children. This isn't about reinventing the wheel; instead, Section 2 of this act proposes changes to the National Child Protection Act of 1993. The main idea is to broaden the definition of a "covered individual" – that's the official term for someone who needs to be vetted – to include more people who might interact with kids through various organizations.

Expanding the Background Check Lineup

So, who exactly gets added to the list if this passes? The bill specifically targets individuals who contract with what's called a "qualified entity" (think schools, daycare centers, or youth organizations that are already part of the background check system). It also includes people employed by or volunteering for an organization that itself has a contract with one of these qualified entities. For example, if a local community center (a qualified entity) hires an outside company to run an after-school arts program, the employees of that outside company who are involved in the program would now likely need a background check under this expanded definition, as per Section 5(9)(B) of the amended 1993 Act. The same goes for folks seeking those roles.

Licensing, Certification, and the Bigger Picture

It doesn't stop with contractors and their teams. The CHILD Act of 2025 also casts its net over individuals who are licensed or certified by a qualified entity, or even those just applying for such credentials. Imagine someone seeking a specialized coaching certification directly from a state-approved youth sports league (a qualified entity); they'd fall under this new scope. The goal here seems pretty straightforward: to ensure more adults who have access to children through professional or volunteer capacities are thoroughly screened. While the bill itself doesn't detail what a "qualified entity" is, that term is defined in the underlying National Child Protection Act of 1993, which generally refers to entities providing care or services to children.

What This Means on the Ground

If this bill becomes law, it means more individuals will find themselves needing to go through the background check process. For organizations, especially those that contract with or are contractors for qualified entities, this could mean new administrative tasks to ensure compliance. For instance, a small business providing specialized tutoring services to a school district might need to implement background checks for all its tutors working with students. While the aim is enhanced child safety, it's worth noting that an increase in the number of required checks could also lead to more paperwork and potentially longer wait times for individuals seeking these roles or certifications. The idea is to create a wider safety net, but it'll also mean more people and organizations navigating the background check system.