Now on the books: more disclosure means greater safety

Law requires all child-care workers to have a criminal history check through both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

DENVER (Colorado News Agency) August 11, 2011 -- Greater disclosure of one’s criminal history in the interest of public safety is the main focus of two new laws that went into effect Wednesday. One targets child-care workers and the other sex offenders.

House  Bill 11-1145, sponsored by Rep. Beth McCann, D-Denver, and Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton, requires all child-care workers hired after Aug. 10, 2011 to have a criminal history check through both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previously, only the CBI check was done, with the FBI check occurring only if the worker had lived in Colorado less than two years.

Inclusion of the federal background check for all applicants, says Tochtrop, ensures that the applicant doesn’t have a record that might not be flagged on a state background check.

“It’s important that we do this because we need to protect the most vulnerable—young children. The added background check ensures their safety,” said Tochtrop.

Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, in support of the proposal while it was being considered by lawmakers, said that the added scrutiny could benefit providers as well as the children.

“The kids will be more protected with the more thorough background check, but it will also help protect providers from liability,” said Renfroe.

House Bill 11-1278, sponsored by Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, and Democratic Senate Majority Leader John Morse, also of Colorado Springs, clarifies responsibilities regarding sex-offender registration, including when the offender moves from one jurisdiction to another.

Morse said the clarifications, now in place, will make it more likely that sexual offenders who are required to register don’t slip under the radar due to any gaps in the law governing registration.

“From the police’s standpoint, this makes it easier for them to do what they have to do and also makes it easier for the offenders to do what they need to do to comply,” said Morse.