The proposed bill aims to amend ARM 37.95.610 to revise the outdoor space requirements for day-care centers in Montana, addressing the growing demand for child care in urban areas. The bill emphasizes that parents should have more flexibility in choosing child-care options that suit their needs, particularly in urban centers where space may be limited. The amendment includes provisions for calculating the required minimum space per child, excluding certain areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and specifies that day-care centers must provide sufficient indoor and outdoor space for the number and ages of children in care.

Key changes in the bill include the removal of the requirement for a gym as a compensatory space for limited outdoor areas, allowing for greater flexibility in how centers can meet space requirements. Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for exceptions to the outdoor space requirements, such as the ability to achieve the same objectives with resources within the center's control, provided the center is located in a city with a population over 15,000 or in a business district or commercial zone. These changes aim to enhance the availability of child care options while ensuring safety and adequate space for children's activities.