This bill mandates that all licensed child care centers in Minnesota install video security cameras to monitor infants and toddlers in public and shared areas by January 1, 2026. The cameras must be operational at all times during the center's hours, with specific technical requirements for recording quality. Additionally, the bill outlines the retention and disposal of recordings, stipulating that they must be kept for 90 days unless a law enforcement investigation is ongoing. It also establishes guidelines for the dissemination of recordings, ensuring that they are not shared without proper authorization and that parents can review footage if their child is injured.

Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to classify video footage collected by the commissioner of children, youth, and families as private data. It requires child care centers to develop a written policy regarding the use of video security cameras, which must include details about camera locations, retention policies, and access procedures. The bill also appropriates $150,000 for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support child care centers in acquiring the necessary equipment to comply with these new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.461