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SF2991 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Group family day care child-adult capacity ratios and age distribution restrictions modifications

Related bill: HF2877

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify regulations related to group family day care operations in Minnesota. The bill specifically addresses amendments to child-to-adult ratios and age distribution restrictions in family day care settings, adjustments to licensing authorities, and zoning and operational stipulations for family child care programs.

Main Provisions

  • Child-to-Adult Capacity Ratios: The bill sets specific ratios for group family day care operations. For example, a single adult can supervise a maximum of 10 children under 11 years, with specific limits placed on how many of these can be under five or 12 months old.

  • License Capacity: The bill authorizes daycare licenses for up to 18 children, requiring two adults for oversight if the maximum number is met. Helpers can substitute for a second adult under certain conditions.

  • Delegation of Authority: The bill outlines the responsibilities and limitations of county agencies in licensing activities, such as granting variances for licensing capacity and issuing various orders.

  • Reporting and Reviews: County agencies must conduct annual unannounced licensing reviews and report significant incidents like injuries or fires. Family child care licenses may last up to two years.

  • Zoning and Use Regulations: The bill considers licensed group family day care for up to 18 children as single-family residential use for zoning purposes.

  • Special Family Child Care Homes: Guidelines are provided for nonresidential child care facilities, including rules for those located in commercial spaces, and restrictions around care, training, and occupancy are defined.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The change from a maximum of 14 to 18 children in group family day care facilities.
  • Adjustments in the delegation of variance authority, specifying instances where only the commissioner can issue variances.
  • The introduction of stipulated unannounced annual reviews for family child care programs.
  • Clearer zoning classifications for family day care homes as single-family residential properties.

Relevant Terms

group family day care, child-to-adult ratios, daycare capacity, family child care licensing, county agencies, zoning regulations, variance authority, licensing reviews, training requirements, Minnesota State Fire Code, special family child care homes, NETStudy 2.0.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toHealth and Human Services

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New clause for reporting information about disqualification reconsiderations and variances."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies delegation of authority to agencies under section 142B.30, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands oversight and reporting requirements for county agencies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142B.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional requirements for multi-license operation under one roof."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends special family child care home regulations under section 142B.41, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates criteria for capacity variance and compliance with local zoning regulations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142B.41",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in context to disqualification reconsiderations reporting under a new subsection.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.25",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in relation to disqualification reconsiderations and reporting requirements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.27",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced under rules for family day care facilities.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9502.0315",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced under rules for family day care facilities.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9502.0445",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced regarding square footage requirements per child.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9502.0425",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in regard to the issuance of multiple licenses.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9502.0335",
    "subdivision": "subpart 12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced to define child care background study subject.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "245C.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6a"
  }
]

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