Michigan Senate Bill SB0692

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Report Pass: 2/13/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 5/15/24
• Engrossed: 6/5/24
• Refer: 6/5/24
• Report Pass: 12/3/24

Caption

Children: child care; licensing and regulation of camps; provide for. Creates new act.

Impact

The legislation will significantly impact state laws by introducing strict licensing requirements, which will entail thorough background checks for all camp staff and administrators. A major component includes criminal history checks to preclude individuals with certain convictions from working in or managing camps. The bill also aims to prevent potential crises by requiring that camps establish safety plans and undertake regular inspections, which are intended to ensure that camps adhere to operational standards designed to protect campers' health and safety. Subsequently, camps that fail to comply with these regulations risk facing severe penalties, including license revocation and fines.

Summary

Senate Bill 0692, also referred to as the 'Camp Licensing Act', establishes comprehensive regulations aimed at the licensing and oversight of camps and camp programs in Michigan. The bill mandates that any individual or entity wishing to operate a camp must obtain a license from the state after meeting predefined standards concerning the care and supervision of campers. The legislation aims to safeguard children and vulnerable adults who attend these camps by enforcing compliance with safety protocols and operational standards that reflect best practices in camp management and child welfare.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 0692 appears largely supportive among child advocacy groups and legislators focused on public safety. Proponents of the bill emphasize its significance for child protection, arguing that the systematic regulation of camps can help prevent incidents of abuse and negligence. However, there may be opposition from some camp operators concerned about the burden of regulatory compliance, particularly regarding the costs and complexities associated with meeting the state's conditions for licensure. The debate encapsulates broader discussions about balancing effective regulation with the need for community and recreational opportunities for children.

Contention

A point of contention among stakeholders is the potential financial strain the bill could impose on smaller, private, or nonprofit camps that may struggle with the administrative and financial demands of compliance. Critics argue that while the bill's intentions are noble, its rigidity could lead to unintended consequences such as the closure of beloved local camps that lack the resources to adapt. Furthermore, there are differing opinions on the level of oversight and intervention by state authorities, with some advocates calling for even stricter measures while others express a desire for greater flexibility in regulations to better accommodate the diverse nature of camps across the state.