Childcare center employees subject to fingerprinting under bill passed in state Senate

ATLANTA - A bill that would require employees at childcare centers in Georgia pass national fingerprint checks passed the Georgia State Senate Wednesday.

Senator Butch Miller of Gainesville sponsored House Bill 350 in the senate. The 44-4 vote also would require all Department of Early Care and Learning employees pass the check.

Current law requires only directors of childcare centers pass the fingerprint check. Employees are subject only to a name search of Georgia records.

“We have taken a great step forward in protecting Georgia’s most precious and vulnerable population, our children," Miller said.

If signed by the governor, those employees will have to pass the check every five years.