The bill H.F. No. 2078 seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 142B.05, subdivision 2, to modify child care provider licensing regulations. Specifically, it revises the categories of child care and related programs that are excluded from licensure requirements.

Key Provisions:

1. Programs Exempt from Licensure – The bill clarifies that various types of child care, educational, religious, recreational, and cultural programs do not require state licensure, including but not limited to:

   • Care provided by relatives (except under certain foster care placements).
   • Nonresidential care by an unrelated individual for children of a single family.
   • Public school programs for children 33 months or older.
   • Short-term child care programs (under three hours per day) where a parent or guardian is nearby.
   • Homes providing pre-adoption placements, as long as the adoption is completed within two years.
   • Recreational and educational programs operated by schools, YMCA/YWCA, or JCC.
   • Head Start programs that operate for fewer than 45 days per year.
   • Religious programs including Sunday schools and care provided by churches during worship.
   • Residential camps and cultural exchange programs.
   • Youth development programs for kindergarten through grade 12 that take place outside of school hours.
   • Limited family child care provided by unrelated individuals if it serves no more than a specific number of children and does not receive state child care assistance.

2. Additional Conditions for Exemptions – Some exempt programs are required to meet specific conditions, such as:

   • Written parental consent for youth participation.
   • Notice to parents that the program is not state-licensed and not eligible for child care assistance.
   • Accreditation from recognized agencies that require background checks and investigate complaints.

3. Clarification of "Contiguous Buildings" – The bill defines what constitutes a directly contiguous building in the context of exempt child care programs, ensuring that facilities connected by walls, skyways, tunnels, atriums, or a common roof are considered part of the exemption.

4. Federal Waiver Exemptions – It explicitly states that services covered by federally approved waivers that do not require licensure should not be subject to state licensing requirements.

Impact:

• Expands the number of child care providers and programs that do not need a license, potentially reducing regulatory burdens on small-scale providers.
• Provides clearer delineation of licensing exemptions, allowing organizations and families to better understand when licensure is required.
• Ensures that parents are aware of whether a program is licensed or eligible for child care assistance.

This bill is currently referred to the Committee on Children and Families Finance and Policy for further discussion and review.