Bill > H255

This bill aims to support family child care homes by establishing new legal protections and standardizing regulations across cities and towns in Massachusetts. It defines key terms such as "family child care home" (a private residence providing temporary care for children under 7 or children with special needs under 16, with a maximum of 6-10 children depending on the type of home) and creates several important provisions to facilitate their operation. The bill prohibits local governments from imposing unreasonable restrictions on family child care homes, such as limiting their number, treating them as a public nuisance, or requiring additional business licenses or fees beyond state standards. It also invalidates any restrictive covenants or contractual provisions that would prevent property owners from using their homes as child care facilities, ensuring that such use is considered a residential activity. Landlords and property owners are barred from discriminating against potential tenants who wish to operate family child care homes, and providers must only provide 30 days' written notice before establishing their home-based childcare business. The legislation ensures that local zoning ordinances cannot fundamentally prevent the operation of family child care homes while still allowing reasonable health, safety, and building standard regulations that apply equally to all residential properties.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H255