This bill modifies the modernization of family child care regulations in Minnesota. It amends a section of the Laws 2021 First Special Session, requiring the commissioner of human services (now part of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families) to contract with an independent consultant—preferably the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA)—to update family child care licensing standards.

Key Provisions:

1. Updated Licensing Standards

   • The consultant will develop new licensing standards that ensure child safety, are child-centered, family-friendly, and fair to providers.

2. Risk-Based Compliance Model

   • A new risk-based model will be designed to monitor compliance with licensing standards.
     
   • Violations will be weighted according to their risk to children's health and safety, and sanctions will be proportionate to the risk level.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

   • The consultant must engage with parents, child care providers, county licensors, and child development experts.
     
   • Working groups of licensed providers must meet at least five times during this process.

4. Abbreviated Inspections

   • Certain family child care providers may be eligible for shorter inspections if they have a strong compliance record, based on empirical data and statistical methodologies.

5. Report and Implementation

   • The commissioner must submit a report with proposed legislation to relevant legislators by February 1, 2026.
     
   • The report and all stakeholder documents must be available in Hmong, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
     
   • The updated licensing standards and risk-based compliance model cannot take effect before January 1, 2027.

Purpose:

The bill aims to modernize family child care regulations by introducing a fair, data-driven, and risk-based approach, ensuring child welfare while reducing burdens on providers.