Bill > SB1288

This bill modifies Tennessee's child care licensing regulations by expanding exemptions and clarifying requirements for various types of child care programs. The bill introduces new exemption categories including "Gym Care" programs, which allow child care for up to two hours per day at gym facilities where parents are on-site, and "Tennessee Professional Sporting Event Care" programs for children of players and coaches during home games. The legislation also specifies that after-school care programs serving fewer than five children for less than three hours per day are not subject to licensing. Additionally, the bill removes registration requirements for "casual care" operations and provides detailed criteria for programs to qualify for licensing exemptions, such as recreational programs, camp programs, and religious service-related child care. Programs seeking exemption must now register with the department, post a sign indicating they are not licensed, and have parents sign a form acknowledging the program's unlicensed status. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for small, specialized, and short-term child care services while maintaining basic safety and registration requirements. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the Department of Human Services is authorized to create rules to implement these modifications.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1288&ga=114