Bill > SB1379

This bill introduces several key provisions to support child care agencies and family home child care providers in Tennessee. First, it allows child care agencies to lease or purchase underutilized or vacant property from local education agencies (LEAs), with specific rights of first or second refusal depending on whether charter schools are present in the district. The bill requires LEAs to submit comprehensive listings of such properties to the Department of Human Services and allows child care agencies to request audits of these listings. Additionally, the legislation classifies child care family homes as residential properties for zoning and land use purposes, ensuring they are treated similarly to other residential properties and preventing local authorities from imposing stricter regulations. The bill also modifies provisional licensing requirements for child care agencies operating in host schools, allowing them to use the host school's fire inspection and facilities as sufficient for licensing if they serve the same age group of children. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and support for child care providers by reducing bureaucratic barriers and expanding potential facility options. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to child care agencies licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1379&ga=114