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H 312

DAYCARE – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the licensing of daycare facilities.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 312 updates Idaho daycare licensing, enhancing safety standards, streamlining processes, and ensuring legislative oversight, impacting owners, employees, and children.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2025 Session Law Chapter 186 Effective: 07/01/2025; 07/01/2025 IDAPA Sunset Clause - SECTION 8
#codes #daycare #healthandwelfaredepartment #licensesandpermits #occupationalandprofessionallicenses #rules #safety
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Bill Summary · H 312

Summary of House Bill 312 (H 312)

Bill Overview

  • Title: DAYCARE – Amends and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding the licensing of daycare facilities.
  • Bill Number: H 312
  • Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2025; Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Daycare, Health and Welfare, Licensing, Safety

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 312 aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing daycare facilities in Idaho by moving existing administrative rules into statutory law. This transition is intended to restore legislative authority to elected lawmakers and ensure that daycare licensing is governed by clear, codified standards.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments and additions to the Idaho Code, specifically targeting daycare licensing:

  1. Definitions and Terminology:

    • Updates definitions related to daycare facilities, including terms like "daycare center," "group daycare facility," and "family daycare home."

  2. Licensing Process:

    • Establishes a streamlined process for the issuance and renewal of daycare licenses, requiring compliance with minimum standards and a criminal history check within 60 days of application.

  3. Fee Structure:

    • Sets maximum fees for daycare licenses:
      • $325 for daycare centers with over 25 children.
      • $250 for centers with 13-25 children.
      • $100 for group daycare facilities.
    • Additional fees for criminal history checks will be charged at actual cost.

  4. Safety Standards:

    • Mandates compliance with specific safety standards, including:
      • Installation of fire alarms and extinguishers.
      • Secure storage of firearms.
      • Safety measures for pools and other bodies of water.

  5. Behavior Management:

    • Introduces provisions regarding behavior management and discipline within daycare settings.

  6. Administrative Rules:

    • Nullifies certain administrative rules previously contained in IDAPA 16.06.03, thereby consolidating regulations under statutory law.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Daycare facility owners and operators, employees, and the children they serve will be directly impacted by the changes in licensing and safety standards.
    • The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will oversee the implementation and enforcement of these new regulations.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The bill is projected to result in savings of approximately $61 per page by ceasing the publication of certain rules, with no additional expenditure or revenue expected for federal, state, or local governments.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 27, 2025: Signed by the Governor; effective July 1, 2025.
  • March 24, 2025: Delivered to the Governor.
  • March 19, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 27-6-2.
  • March 5, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 67-3-0.
  • February 24, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Health & Welfare Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 312 represents a significant update to the regulatory landscape for daycare facilities in Idaho, aiming to enhance safety, clarify licensing processes, and ensure legislative oversight in the daycare sector. The effective date of July 1, 2025, provides a timeline for daycare facilities to prepare for compliance with the new regulations.

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

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