Bill > SB571

This bill modifies provisions related to child care facility licensing by expanding the powers and duties of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill introduces a new provision allowing the department to grant temporary child care licenses to providers who submit a complete application, complete required background checks, and provide approved fire safety and sanitation inspections. These temporary licenses would be valid for up to twelve months or until a final determination on full licensure is made. The bill also establishes a variance request process, allowing child care facilities to request exceptions to rules if they can demonstrate that the variance would not endanger children's health or safety. Additionally, the bill maintains the department's existing authority to inspect, license, and potentially deny or revoke licenses for child care facilities, with a new specific provision that allows denial of a license if the facility is located within 1,000 feet of a registered sex offender's residence or treatment location. The bill emphasizes that any new rules created under this authority must comply with existing administrative rulemaking procedures and cannot interfere with religious instruction or ministries provided by the facility.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=2238193