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Bill > SB170
VA SB170
VA SB170Out-of-school time programs; exemptions from licensure, conditions and requirements.
summary
Introduced
01/07/2024
01/07/2024
In Committee
01/07/2024
01/07/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/22/2025
02/22/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Board of Education; out-of-school time programs; exemptions from licensure; conditions and requirements. Exempts from licensure any out-of-school time program that (i) serves only school-age children; (ii) operates primarily after or before regular school hours, during the summer, or at times when school is not normally in session; (iii) is offered for the purpose of promoting expanded childhood learning and enrichment, child and youth development, or educational, recreational, or character-building activities; and (iv) receives and maintains Board of Education certification to operate without a license. The bill provides that any Board-certified, license-exempt out-of-school time program that fails to comply with the conditions set forth in the bill shall receive from the Superintendent notice of such noncompliance with an explanation that if such noncompliance is not resolved within a reasonable period of the time, as determined by the Board, the Superintendent may, at his discretion, deny, suspend, or revoke such program's certification and require it to be licensed.
AI Summary
This bill proposes to create a new category of exemption from child care licensing requirements specifically for out-of-school time programs that serve school-age children. These programs would be required to obtain Board of Education certification to operate without a license, provided they meet several detailed conditions. The key provisions include requiring programs to be affiliated with a national or statewide organization, implement comprehensive health and safety standards, conduct background checks on staff, maintain specific staffing ratios (such as at least one staff member age 18 or older per 20 children), have a qualified program director, develop policies for child abuse prevention and emergency preparedness, maintain detailed child records, and submit annual reports to the Superintendent. Programs must also consent to annual inspections and file documentation demonstrating compliance with these requirements. If a program fails to comply with these conditions, the Superintendent may issue a notice of noncompliance and potentially deny, suspend, or revoke the program's certification, which would then require the program to obtain a full child care license. The bill aims to provide a flexible regulatory framework for after-school and summer programs while ensuring basic health, safety, and operational standards are maintained.
Committee Categories
Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Education and Health (on 11/19/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?251+sum+SB170 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB170/text/SB170 |
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