WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 1782

An Act relative to the protection of children

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 4 co-sponsors

H 1782 - An Act relative to the protection of children OverviewBill Number: H 1782 Title: An Act relative to the protection of childrenStatus: Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 fro

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1782

H 1782 - An Act relative to the protection of children

Overview

Bill Number: H 1782
Title: An Act relative to the protection of children
Status: Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
Introduced: February 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to strengthen protections for children in the state by enhancing regulations and oversight around childcare facilities, schools, and other institutions that serve minors. The legislation is intended to address growing concerns about child safety, abuse, and neglect, and ensure that appropriate safeguards and accountability measures are in place.

Key Provisions

  • Requires all childcare workers, teachers, and other staff at facilities serving children to undergo comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting and FBI database searches
  • Mandates the installation of security cameras in all common areas of childcare centers and schools to monitor activities
  • Establishes a statewide registry of individuals convicted of child abuse or neglect offenses, barring them from working in any capacity with children
  • Increases minimum staffing ratios and training requirements for childcare providers to improve supervision and safety
  • Empowers state inspectors to conduct unannounced visits and audits of childcare facilities to ensure compliance
  • Imposes stricter penalties, including fines and license revocation, for facilities found to be in violation of regulations

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would have a significant impact on a wide range of entities that provide services to children, including:

  • Childcare centers, preschools, and daycares
  • K-12 public and private schools
  • Youth sports leagues, after-school programs, and extracurricular activities
  • Foster care agencies and group homes

Parents and guardians of children would also be affected, as the legislation aims to give them greater assurance of their children's safety and well-being while in the care of these institutions. The increased regulations and oversight could lead to higher operating costs for affected organizations, which may be passed on to families in the form of higher fees.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

H 1782 was introduced in the state legislature on February 27, 2025 and is currently scheduled for a public hearing on June 10, 2025. After the hearing, the bill will proceed through the standard legislative process, including committee review, floor votes in both chambers, and potential amendments before reaching the governor's desk for final approval or veto.

If enacted, many of the new requirements would take effect within 6-12 months to give affected organizations time to implement the necessary changes. Ongoing compliance and enforcement would then be overseen

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.