HB 777 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Human Services to conduct comprehensive background checks on current and prospective employees, volunteers, contractors, and subcontractors whose positions place them in close proximity to minors, young adults, or vulnerable adults receiving child welfare services, social services, abuse/neglect prevention services, or foster care independence services.

• Requires fingerprinting, criminal history record checks per HI § 846-2.7, consent to obtain other criminal records, and searches of the state adult protective services registry and child abuse/neglect registry for covered individuals.

• Permits DHS to deny or terminate employment or refuse services if background investigations reveal the person may pose a risk to the health, safety, security, or well-being of vulnerable persons, with notice and opportunity to respond before any adverse action.

• Allows DHS to periodically obtain updated criminal history information through the Hawaii criminal justice data center on all covered individuals.

• Takes effect June 30, 2050; provides that concurrent amendments to HI §§ 378-2.5 and 846-2.7 relating to background check procedures shall not be repealed when those sections are amended on January 1, 2024.