Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB392

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/1/23
• Refer: 9/1/23
• Report Pass: 9/12/23
• Refer: 9/12/23
• Engrossed: 9/14/23
• Refer: 9/20/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Allowing certified child care operators to provide care to up to six children. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of AB392 would alter existing regulations governing child care providers in Wisconsin. By allowing certified operators to care for more children without a license, the bill could lead to increased availability of child care services, thereby supporting working parents and guardians. This legislative change is anticipated to engender effects on state child care policy, potentially leading to discussions on standards, safety, and the quality of care provided by certified operators. Moreover, although it promotes flexibility in child care, it raises questions about whether safety standards are maintained with the increased number of children.

Summary

Assembly Bill 392 (AB392) proposes amendments to Wisconsin state statutes regarding child care operations. Specifically, it seeks to allow certified child care operators to provide care for up to six children under the age of seven, regardless of whether these children are related to the operator. Under current law, child care providers are restricted to no more than three unrelated children unless they hold a license. This change is aimed at increasing the accessibility of child care services in Wisconsin, potentially addressing the ongoing child care shortages faced by families across the state.

Contention

AB392 has sparked discussions about the balance between increasing child care flexibility and ensuring child safety. Supporters of the bill argue that the current limitations on child care providers hinder parents' ability to find adequate and affordable care solutions, emphasizing the need for greater flexibility. However, critics voice concerns about potential risks associated with larger groups of children under a single operator's supervision, categorizing it as a compromise to child safety. As this bill moves through legislative discussions, these points of contention are likely to be critical in shaping outcomes in child care policy within the state.