Tennessee House Bill HB0573

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 3, relative to child care.

Impact

If enacted, this legislative change will directly impact child care providers across Tennessee. By increasing the threshold number of children required for classification as a licensed child care agency, the bill may reduce the regulatory burden on smaller operations that serve fewer children. This could encourage the growth of smaller child care providers by minimizing the licensing requirements they face. However, the bill also raises concerns about whether it decreases oversight and regulatory protections for children, as fewer providers may fall under the same regulatory scrutiny as larger facilities.

Summary

House Bill 573 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 3, which governs child care services in the state. The key provision of the bill is to change the minimum number of children that a child care provider must have before being classified as a child care agency. Specifically, it proposes to adjust the threshold from five children to seven children. This amendment is intended to update regulatory standards and potentially facilitate a more manageable framework for child care providers, many of whom operate small businesses.

Contention

Notably, opponents of the bill might argue that raising the threshold could lead to less regulation of child care services. Critics contend that reducing the number of licensed providers may compromise quality and safety standards for children in those care settings. Supporters, on the other hand, may argue that this change is necessary to support small businesses and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. Balancing the need for regulation with the goal of supporting child care services in the community could be a central point of discussion among lawmakers.