SF 743

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 02/10/2025 04:45 p.m.

A bill for an act
relating to child care programs; requiring rulemaking to relax child care
staff-to-child ratios for smaller communities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER; SMALLER COMMUNITY CHILD
CARE CENTER RATIOS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of human services or the commissioner of children, youth, and
families must amend Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, or its successor as a part of the
transition of responsibilities under Laws 2023, chapter 70, and Laws 2024, chapter 80, to
allow for more flexibility for child care centers not located in the seven-county metropolitan
area of Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Carver, and Scott counties or in
the cities of Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, and Mankato. The commissioner must allow
centers under this paragraph to:
new text end

new text begin (1) not add a second staff member until there are six infants, ten toddlers, 15 preschoolers,
or 20 school-aged children in a group; and
new text end

new text begin (2) group children together during regular hours of operation if there is no more than a
60-month range in ages among the children and the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part
9503.0040, subpart 3, item B, subitems (1), (3), and (4), are met.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding any other requirements for good cause exempt rulemaking, the
commissioner may use the procedure under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision
1, clause (3), for changes to Minnesota Rules pursuant to this section. Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.386, does not apply to rules adopted pursuant to this section except as provided
under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.
new text end