House Bill 2413, known as the "Tennessee Child Care Red Tape Reduction Act," seeks to simplify the regulatory framework for child care agencies in Tennessee. The bill introduces a new definition for "fire safety inspection" and stipulates that these inspections for initial licenses or renewals must be conducted solely by the state fire marshal or designated agents, thereby removing the requirement for local fire marshals to perform separate inspections. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a priority processing system for permit applications, mandating local governments to expedite these applications and process them within specified timeframes, including a provision that deems applications approved if not decided within 90 days.

Additionally, the bill allows child care agencies to operate in various zoning districts, including commercial and residential areas, without needing a zoning variance, provided they meet licensing standards. Local governments may impose reasonable conditions but cannot enforce more restrictive requirements than those applicable to similar commercial uses. The act also mandates expedited processing of conditional use permit applications for child care agencies within sixty days and prioritizes these applications alongside those for affordable housing developments. The state fire marshal's office is empowered to create necessary rules for implementation, and the bill includes a severability clause to maintain the effectiveness of remaining provisions if any part is invalidated. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rulemaking purposes, with other provisions effective starting July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-3-501
Amended with SA0780 -- 04/02/2026: 71-3-501