Committee moves narrow technical fix to preserve FBI fingerprint checks for foster and out-of-home providers

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee referred a technical fix to Appropriations to restore statutory authority for FBI fingerprint-based criminal-history checks used in out-of-home placements for children.

Sponsors said the interagency agreement that previously allowed Colorado agencies to perform fingerprint-based FBI checks is no longer supported by statute and that the FBI has flagged the state. Department of Human Services officials warned that without statutory alignment, background‑check authority could lapse and interrupt placements for roughly 3,500 children and youth.

Logan Ellet, Provider Development Manager for the Division of Child Welfare, told the committee that Colorado and federal statutes require fingerprint‑based checks alongside other background checks for those providing out‑of‑home care. He said the bill would update licensing statutes in Title 26 to align with federal requirements and avoid putting the state out of compliance.

Sponsors moved the measure to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation and the committee recorded the referral on a roll call. The bill’s authors said the change is intended to be a statute alignment, not an expansion of checks, and is designed to preserve existing practice and federal funding eligibility.

The committee did not adopt amendments to the bill during the hearing; the bill will proceed to Appropriations for further consideration.