SB 2477 Summary

• Requires the Mississippi State Department of Health to maintain a complaint hotline for child care facility complaints, investigate each complaint, maintain a log, and protect the identity of reporters unless ordered by court.

• Exempts existing child care facilities licensed before July 1, 2014 from new indoor measurements and square footage requirements that would reduce child capacity, but allows remeasurement for major renovations, significant layout changes, ownership changes, or health and safety concerns.

• Entitles licensees to a hearing before the agency suspends, revokes, or restricts a license, or imposes monetary penalties, and allows legal representation at the licensee's own expense if an agency attorney is present.

• Provides that inspectors shall not cite facilities for infractions that occur during emergency situations discovered during inspections.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014.