The Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim Committee failed to approve the bill in October but switched its stance on Wednesday. The committee still wants one issue addressed — whether a provider gets their subsidy while the background check results are pending.

"I believe there's good merit to this legislation," said Sen. Fred Fife, D-Salt Lake.

"From regulated providers, our feedback has been that they're in support (of the bill) because they support children's safety," Rasmussen said after the meeting. "From family, friend or neighbor care providers, we have not spoken to them in the last month, but six months or so ago we did a study and asked them, 'If a background check was required, would it stop you from providing care or not?' And the majority thought it was a fair question, that if they're receiving federal or state funds that they should be accountable for providing a safe environment."

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