MO HB2097

Enacts "Nathan's Law" (sections 210.209, 210.211, and 210.245) to regulate child care facility licensing and operations in Missouri.

Modifies exemptions from licensing requirements for family child care, specifying that related children only count toward the four-child limit if the caregiver also cares for at least two unrelated children for payment and children in public school are not counted.

Requires all child care facilities to disclose their licensure status to parents or guardians and prohibits unlicensed facilities from falsely representing themselves as licensed.

Increases penalties for violations from an infraction with a maximum $200 fine to a Class A misdemeanor with daily fines up to $200 per day (capped at $10,000 total) for subsequent offenses.

Grants the Department of Health and Senior Services authority to immediately close illegally operating unlicensed child care facilities upon documentation of illegal status or finding of imminent harm to children, with county prosecutors authorized to seek permanent closure orders.