This bill mandates that licensed child care centers in Minnesota implement video security cameras to monitor infants and toddlers in both indoor and outdoor areas by January 1, 2026. The legislation outlines specific requirements for the cameras, including their placement, recording capabilities, and retention policies. Centers must retain recordings for 60 days, with exceptions for law enforcement investigations or incidents that require reporting. Additionally, the bill establishes guidelines for the dissemination of recordings, ensuring that they are not shared or sold without proper authorization, and requires centers to have a written policy regarding the use of these cameras.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to allow funds from a grant program to be used for the purchase of video security cameras and related training for child care centers. An appropriation of $250,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 is allocated to support this initiative, with a base amount of $250,000 for subsequent years. The bill also includes provisions for annual audits by the commissioner to ensure compliance with the new requirements, as well as a "hold harmless" clause that protects centers from certain licensing actions based solely on evidence from video recordings.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.461
1st Engrossment: 142D.23
2nd Engrossment: 142D.23