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Minutes for SB428 - Committee on Children and Seniors
Short Title
Changing licensure requirements for a child care facility operating in a public recreation center or school.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 22, 2018
The Chair opened the meeting and outlined the agenda for the day. She opened the hearing on SB 428. Staff Kyle Hamilton explained the bill would amend the current law to expand exemptions of certain building requirements during the care of older children who participate in after-school club activities. He provided an explanation of various word changes and noted that the local school board is responsible for compliance with the regulations.
Allie Devine, speaking in support of SB 428, reported that there are no definitive regulations to distinguish Club responsibilities from school district obligations of management regarding the facilities. She noted that Clubs are often cited for environmental deficiencies and are penalized with fines for infractions that are not within their control. Ms. Devine reported a fee of $20 per year is collected by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to renew the drop-in program license; the local fee in Shawnee County is $200 per year for a child-care certificate. She said the 2017 budget allocated $2,550 in fees for state licensing renewal (Attachment 1).
Amanda Gress, offering neutral testimony on SB 428, commented briefly on the importance of the health, safety and quality of care for all children involved in after-school programs operating in public recreation centers or in schools. She said standards that ensure children are in safe physical spaces and environments are essential for the care and safety of participants (Attachment 2).
Loreena Steelman, Director, Child Care Licensing Program, KDHE, speaking as a neutral representative, said the proposed changes clarify that if the school or recreation center complies with fire and local building codes, a license could not be denied, revoked or suspended if requirements for licensing are not being met due to environmental deficiencies. She noted that KDHE has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs to draft alternative language to address the needs of programs in schools and recreation centers (Attachment 3).
The hearing on SB 428 was closed.
Representative Gallagher moved to suspend the rules to work SB 428 and pass it out favorably. Representative Ousley seconded the motion. There being no discussion, Representative Gallagher closed on the motion to favorably pass SB 428. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair requested consideration of discussion only on HB 2751. Representative Ousley provided information stating concerns addressed in the fiscal note. The Chair requested research draft a letter to the Judicial Council to review the intentions of HB 2751.
The Chair called for consideration of SB 311.
Representative Ousley moved to pass SB 311 favorably. Representative Deere seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The Chair thanked staff and members for their service during this legislative session. No further meetings are scheduled for 2018.
