Bill > HB563

This bill creates an exemption from state licensing requirements for child care facilities that are part of a local church ministry or religious nonprofit school, while establishing specific compliance requirements to maintain that exempt status. Under the new law, such facilities must undergo annual fire and health inspections, provide detailed records to the licensing agency (including employee background checks and insurance information), notify parents about facility details like staff qualifications and curriculum, and post a notice that they are not regulated by the State Department of Health. Exempt facilities cannot receive state or federal funds and must have parents sign an affidavit acknowledging the facility's exempt status. Starting July 1, 2025, new church-based child care facilities must notify the licensing agency 30 days before operating and undergo an initial inspection. The bill also gives the licensing agency authority to inspect these facilities if there is reasonable cause to believe child safety is at risk, and allows the local district attorney to investigate any allegations against such facilities. Importantly, the exemption applies only to facilities that are genuinely part of a church or religious nonprofit's core operations, ensuring that for-profit or externally funded programs still must obtain standard licensing.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0563.xml