Committee advances bill requiring background checks for residential staff and commissioning review of support coordination

Representative Tant presented HB 565, which would require every employee of a residential facility or day-training program for people with developmental disabilities to undergo background screening. The bill also directs a statewide survey and review of waiver support coordination focusing on quality, core competencies, caseloads, recruitment and retention challenges, mentoring program efficacy and gaps in access to services. The review is required to produce policy recommendations in time for the next legislative session, with the survey and report due by February 2027.

Representative Tant said the background-screening provision responds to a case where a group-home employer had not appropriately screened or removed an employee. A committee member argued background screening is critical because many residents cannot speak for themselves and depend on trustworthy staff. Melissa Mazeta, a support coordinator, waived in support of the bill.

After debate the clerk called the roll and the transcript records "13 yeas show the bill reported favorably." The bill now advances, and the required review and report will be inputs for future policy changes and potential budget requests.