This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 142B.05, Subdivision 2, to exempt certain child care providers from state licensure requirements. Specifically, it aims to allow an unrelated individual to provide child care to children from two separate families without requiring a license.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Exemption from Licensure:

   • The bill adds a provision to exclude child care providers caring for children from two separate families from state licensure requirements.
     
   • Current law allows exemptions only for child care provided by an individual for a single family.

2. Existing Exemptions Maintained:

   • The bill retains other current exemptions from child care licensure, such as:
     • Child care provided by relatives (unless it involves foster care).
     • Programs run by public schools, religious institutions, nonprofit youth organizations, and accredited nonpublic schools.
     • Recreational or cultural exchange programs.
     • Short-term nonresidential child care programs (e.g., scouting, Sunday school, or after-school programs).

3. Clarification on Contiguous Buildings:

   • Defines when a building is considered "directly contiguous" for child care programs operated near the parent or guardian's location.

4. No Changes to Federally Waived Services:

   • The amendment does not affect federally funded services that are explicitly exempted from licensure under existing law.

Purpose and Impact:

• This proposal would increase access to informal child care by broadening the exemption criteria.
  
• It reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale or part-time child care providers.
  
• However, concerns may arise regarding child safety and oversight due to the lack of formal licensure.

Next Steps:

• The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Children and Families Finance and Policy for further review and discussion.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect?