Assembly approves longer licensure periods for some child-care providers, sponsor says it will reduce burden

Assembly members approved an amendment to the social services law on March 23 intended to ease administrative burdens on small child-care providers by extending certain licensure and registration periods.

Miss Chandler Waterman, explaining her affirmative vote, described representing communities where small in-home and neighborhood child-care providers operate and said lengthy, frequent renewals can be costly and time-consuming. She urged steps to ‘‘promote operation stability and reduce regulatory burden,’’ and said sponsors seek to extend a typical four-year license period to six years for eligible providers.

The clerk read the bill into the record as Assembly No. 10353539 (calendar 329); the bill text was read for effect dates where applicable. At the conclusion of explanations the clerk recorded 140 ayes, 0 noes and declared the bill passed.

The sponsor emphasized the bill’s intent to support accessibility of child care by lowering administrative costs and compliance burdens for small operators; the floor explanation did not include detailed funding or implementation timelines.

The House adjourned and will reconvene for further business on Tuesday, March 24.