Senate Bill 1315

SB 1315 – as signed by the Governor

 

SB 1315 contains statutory changes and session law affecting both Child Care Centers (ARS 36-882) and Child Care Group Homes (ARS 36-897.01).  Provisions include:

• Authorizes DHS to provide a discount program, retroactive to January 1, 2010

 

• Requires DHS to conduct a study of its costs to license child care and to identify specific costs for:  the licensing and certification process, inspections, complaints, enforcement, training, technical assistance, and consumer assistance.

 

• The study shall analyze how the costs are related to the type and size of the facility and identify any other related costs that are included in the licensure fees. 

 

• DHS shall consult with representatives of licensed facilities in conducting its study.

 

• The study shall assess the efficiency of the department’s regulation of facilities and develop recommendations to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its regulation without jeopardizing the health and safety of children.

 

• Based on the findings of its study and rules DHS shall adjust the fees if costs are significantly lower.

 

• DHS shall submit a written report of the study findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by February 1, 2011.

 

• DHS shall review its actual costs to administer licensing at least every two years consistent with the current statutory requirement for regulation review. 

 

• DHS shall adopt rules to streamline its health and safety regulations consistent with current law (36-883) by October 1, 2010.

 

• The revised rules are exempt from the formal rule making process for one year.

 

• Instead of current 3 year license, licenses will be non-expiring but may still be revoked or suspended for cause or non-payment of fees.

 

• If funding is available, DHS shall convert from three year fees to annual payments.

 

• Allows DHS to develop procedures to installment payments of fees.

 

• DHS may refund or credit an overpayment.

 

• Requires child care group home regulatory review by October 1, 2011.