Oklahoma Senate Bill SB717

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Child care; modifying and removing exemptions from the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act; making unlicensed child care facilities and programs subject to certain provisions. Effective date.

Impact

The impact of SB717 is significant as it extends regulatory oversight to unlicensed child care facilities and programs, which were not previously subject to the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act. This includes requiring background checks and access to the Child Care Restricted Registry for those working in these settings. Advocates for the bill argue that it will enhance child safety and accountability among child care providers, potentially reducing the risk of harm to children in informal care environments.

Summary

Senate Bill 717 aims to amend the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act by modifying and removing certain exemptions related to child care facilities. The bill's primary focus is on unlicensed child care providers, ensuring that they adhere to certain regulatory standards to provide safer environments for children. This change introduces new measures that will require additional oversight on child care programs that previously did not need to comply with the licensing requirements set forth by the state. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2023.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the implementation of these requirements, particularly with respect to the compliance burden placed on smaller, unlicensed facilities. Opponents might argue that such regulations could unintentionally drive some informal child care arrangements further underground or lead to a shortage of accessible child care options for families. Supporters, on the other hand, will emphasize the necessity of these changes in light of protecting children's welfare and ensuring quality standards across all types of child care services.