Governor Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the state's Child Care system, a stated goal of her administration. The legislation consolidates several early childhood programs into a single agency while implementing various deregulation measures favored by Republicans.
The bill, designated House Bill 2045, marks a major legislative achievement for the governor years in the making. Governor Kelly stated her long-term vision includes creating a comprehensive Child Care system that supports families and businesses.
The new law reduces some government regulations on Child Care providers. Among the changes is an expansion of the scope of unlicensed care settings. Previously, home-based providers could care for a maximum of two unrelated children for 20 hours or less weekly without a license.
Under the new law, effective July 1, home-based providers can operate without a license if they care for up to four children, with no more than two infants, for less than 35 hours per week. This shift reverses some regulations established by Lexie's Law in 2010, which had increased oversight following child deaths in unlicensed facilities.
Additionally, the bill broadens exemptions for childhood vaccination requirements in Child Care settings. Language allowing exemptions based on moral and ethical beliefs, previously limited to COVID-19 vaccines in a 2021 law, now applies to all required vaccinations for children in care.
This change drew criticism from health advocates. The Immunize Kansas Coalition called the policy change troubling, arguing it poses risks to public health and child safety.Supporters of deregulation argued that previous rules discouraged providers and limited available Child Care spots. Senator Beverly Gossage suggested the 2010 regulations represented an overcorrection.
The state's Child Death Review Board reported in September 2024 that between 2018 and 2022, 14 child deaths occurred while children were in Child Care, with nine happening in unlicensed homes. The board has repeatedly recommended increased monitoring and enforcement for unlicensed providers.The bill passed the Legislature with limited floor debate in both the House and Senate despite its scope and complexity. Governor Kelly acknowledged criticisms of the compromise but maintained concerns were addressed or based on existing statutes.
In other Child Care news, Youth and Family Outreach in Portland, Maine, announced plans to double its capacity for early care and education and develop affordable housing. The organization invited the public to tour its current location, Preble Chapel, before relocating."We've been working for nearly seven years to see this vision come to life," Kelly said of the Kansas bill. "And what we finally landed on is solid, bipartisan legislation that puts our children, their well being and their futures first."