The Child Care Fraud Prevention Act aims to enhance oversight and accountability in child care centers by implementing new requirements and amending existing laws. Key provisions include mandatory video surveillance at all entrances, exits, and general areas of child care centers, with the footage required to be stored for 60 days for access by the Department of Children and Youth during inspections. The bill also establishes an online portal for tracking attendance, ensuring that attendance records are confidential and used solely for payment calculations in publicly funded child care. Additionally, the legislation introduces new procedures for investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse, mandating preliminary investigations by the department and subsequent referrals to the auditor of state if allegations are substantiated.

The bill amends sections 5104.015 and 5104.04 of the Revised Code to enhance the department's authority for inspections and investigations, while also introducing new sections such as 5104.044 for video surveillance requirements and 5104.303 for addressing fraud allegations. It specifies that video footage collected is not considered a public record, thereby protecting the privacy of children and families. The legislation consolidates existing laws related to child care fraud under the new act, streamlining the legal framework and reinforcing the commitment to safety and integrity in child care services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5104.015, 5104.04