Bill > SB0313

This bill modifies existing Michigan law (1973 PA 116) concerning the regulation of child care organizations to enhance child protection and streamline certain procedures. Key provisions include clarifying that rules for child care organizations must be restricted to specific operational and care standards, and that fire safety rules for child care centers located in schools will not apply if the school building is approved for school purposes and meets school fire safety rules, or if the school superintendent certifies its safety. The bill also updates requirements for background checks for individuals working in or associated with child care facilities, including criminal history checks and sex offender registry searches, and clarifies when fees for these checks can be passed on to individuals. Furthermore, it modifies investigation procedures, stating that audio or video recordings provided to the department by licensees are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and allows child care centers in school buildings to be exempt from fire safety and environmental health inspections if the school superintendent certifies the location's safety. Finally, in cases of disaster, child care organizations can temporarily operate at an unlicensed location, provided the new location is inspected and approved, with specific exceptions for fire safety and environmental health inspections for child care centers in certified school buildings.