SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Loughran Cappel will address background check delays at childcare facilities across Illinois.

“Providing safe, reliable environments for kids gives working parents peace of mind,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Background checks are taking far too long, leading to qualified early educators leaving the field.”

House Bill 4412 allows a childcare facility, non-licensed service provider, day care center, or home-based day cares to use a third-party vendor licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the required fingerprinting that is part of the application process for facility licensure and as a condition of employment.

“Putting this procedure in place will make the process easier without eliminating any requirements,” said Loughran Cappel. “This law will reduce delays in the licensing process, giving kids across the state more opportunities to thrive at an early age.”

House Bill 4412 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.