summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Passed
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/01/2025
05/01/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Child care matters. Extends the availability of the employer child care expenditure tax credit through July 1, 2027. Provides that under specified circumstances, an individual who: (1) is at least 15 years of age; and (2) is a student at a school corporation that operates a child care program; may volunteer as a caregiver for the child care program before completing the statutory requirements for individuals to act as a volunteer caregiver at a child care program. Adds two representatives of out-of-school-time programs to the membership of the early learning advisory committee. Provides for purposes of regulation of licensed child care centers that the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) shall: (1) ensure that: (A) Indiana's staff to child ratio for a specified age range is not more stringent than the average of the staff to child ratios permitted for that age range under the laws of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; and (B) Indiana's maximum group size for a specified age range is not more stringent than the average of the maximum group sizes permitted for that age range under the laws of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; and (2) annually publish on the office's website the: (A) staff to child ratio; and (B) maximum group size; that a licensed child care center is required to maintain for the specified age ranges. Provides exceptions to the bill's group size provisions for: (1) an indoor or outdoor area of a child care center that provides at least 75 square feet of space per child; and (2) a child care center's cafeteria. Provides that if the office has received at least five applications from child care providers wishing to participate in the micro center pilot program (pilot program) but has selected less than five applicants for participation in the pilot program, the office shall select additional applicants for participation in the pilot program such that at least five child care providers are participating in the pilot program.
AI Summary
This bill addresses several aspects of child care regulation and support in Indiana. It extends the employer child care expenditure tax credit through July 1, 2027, and modifies rules regarding child care providers and volunteers. The bill allows students as young as 15 to volunteer as caregivers in school child care programs under specific supervision conditions. It expands the early learning advisory committee by adding two representatives from out-of-school-time programs, bringing the total committee membership to 15. A significant provision requires the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services to ensure Indiana's child care center staff-to-child ratios and group sizes are not more stringent than the average of neighboring states (Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio). The office must annually publish these ratios and group sizes on their website. The bill also provides exceptions to group size limits for facilities with ample space per child and in cafeterias. Additionally, it ensures that if at least five child care providers apply to the micro center pilot program, at least five will be selected to participate. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for child care providers while maintaining safety standards.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (11)
Ron Alting (R)*,
Ed Charbonneau (R)*,
Shelli Yoder (D)*,
Dale DeVon (R),
J.D. Ford (D),
Carey Hamilton (D),
Julie Olthoff (R),
Kyle Pierce (R),
Rodney Pol (D),
Lonnie Randolph (D),
Mark Spencer (D),
Last Action
Public Law 140 (on 05/01/2025)
Official Document
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