HI HB875

Clarifies that child care programs licensed or certified by the United States Department of Defense located on federal property are exempt from Hawaii Department of Human Services child care licensing requirements.

Requires child care programs licensed by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools to apply for and receive an exemption from Department of Human Services child care licensing requirements if they demonstrate comparable or more stringent licensing standards.

Committee findings note that federal facilities are beyond Department of Human Services jurisdiction and state licensing presents unnecessary administrative burden without significant public protection benefit.

Authorizing private school exemptions aims to ensure high quality programs while increasing Department of Human Services efficiency.

Committee recommends passage and referral to Committee on Judiciary.