Illinois public bodies would accept fingerprint checks from any certified vendor

Covered public bodies would accept required fingerprint checks from any certified electronic fingerprint vendor. This covers Illinois state agencies, school districts, and local governments requiring checks for hiring or keeping workers, granting licenses, or awarding grants. The checks must be national criminal history checks sent to the Illinois State Police. Vendors must hold a state fingerprinting license, use State Police-certified equipment, and complete training the State Police runs or approves. The acceptance requirement would begin January 1, 2027.

Covered public bodies could not sign, change, or renew fingerprint vendor contracts that block acceptance of another certified vendor’s checks. This covers Illinois state agencies, school districts, and local governments. The restriction covers contracts that directly ban other certified vendors’ checks or have that effect. The contract restriction would apply on and after the date the bill becomes law.