Bill > H0243

This bill amends Idaho's daycare licensing laws to update and clarify various provisions regarding child care facilities. The bill revises the state's policy statement to remove references to "minimum" standards, adds a detailed definition of "supervision" that specifies different requirements based on a child's age and activities, and establishes a process for abandoned license applications. It updates safety standards for daycare facilities, including more specific requirements for pool and water safety, and modifies child-to-staff ratio calculations by adjusting point values for children of different ages. The bill also changes reporting and information-sharing requirements, with the Department of Health and Welfare now required to provide more flexible informational tools for daycare consumers instead of a specific pamphlet. Additionally, the bill repeals two sections of existing law related to local options and liability, and directs the department to move all necessary rules into the statutory code by July 1, 2026. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for daycare providers while maintaining a focus on child safety and parental choice in childcare services.

Health and Social Services

Health and Welfare Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0243/