Bill > HB482

This bill modifies the licensure process for child care facilities in Missouri by expanding the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's powers. The bill allows the department to grant temporary child care licenses to providers who submit a complete application, pass background checks, and have approved fire safety and sanitation inspections, with these temporary licenses valid for up to twelve months. The legislation clarifies that licenses will now specify an effective date and whether they are temporary, and adds a new provision enabling providers to obtain a temporary license when expanding an existing site or adding a new location. The bill maintains the department's existing authority to inspect facilities, deny or revoke licenses, and establish care standards, while explicitly stating that no rules can restrict religious instruction or apply to facilities operated by religious organizations. Additionally, the bill allows child care facilities to request variances from regulations, with local inspectors able to grant variances subject to departmental approval, provided such variances do not endanger children's health or safety. The bill also maintains provisions prohibiting licensure near certain registered sex offender locations and ensures that all new rules comply with state administrative rulemaking procedures.

Labor and Employment

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB482&year=2025&code=R