This bill introduces a waiver system for licensed child care facilities, allowing them to have larger group sizes for infants and toddlers than currently permitted. The new ratios are specified for different age groups: for children aged 6 weeks to 12 months, the maximum group size is 13 children with varying numbers of teachers required depending on the number of children; for children aged 13 to 24 months, the maximum group size is 16; and for children aged 25 to 35 months, the maximum group size is 19. The bill outlines the minimum staffing levels for each group size, including the requirement of associate teachers, assistant teachers, and lead teachers in different combinations.

The waiver can be applied for annually and there is no fee for the application or renewal. The Department of Health and Human Services is prohibited from denying a waiver without documented cause, which will be defined in the rules adopted by the department. Additionally, the department is required to report on the number of waivers applied for, granted, denied, and renewed by November 1, 2025, and a final report by November 1, 2026. The waiver system is set to be repealed on December 31, 2026, at which point the law will revert to its original language regarding staffing ratios. The remainder of the act will take effect 60 days after its passage, with the exception of Section 2, which takes effect on December 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 170-E:11
As Amended by the House: 170-E:11
Version adopted by both bodies: 170-E:11
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 170-E:11