HB 12-1276 Summary

• Creates a waiver process allowing licensed child care centers to use certain materials in their programs by submitting requests during licensure application or at any time after licensure.

• Requires child care centers seeking material waivers to adopt policies ensuring staff training in safe material use and obtaining signed parental consent forms acknowledging potential safety risks.

• Establishes a 60-calendar-day decision timeline for the Department to approve or deny waiver requests, with a 45-day appeal period for denied requests and a maximum 100-day total appeals process.

• Requires the State Board to promulgate rules for waiver implementation and directs the Department to use the same inspector when practicable for multiple visits to centers seeking waivers.

• Prohibits the Department from posting waiver denials on its website until the appeal process is final, and expands the appeals review panel membership to include child care providers, early childhood councils, state-level early childhood representatives, and parent representatives.