TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has recently signed legislation co-authored by a State Representative from Terre Haute that aims to ease child care licensing restrictions through the state.
House Enrolled Act 1253, co-authored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), aims to expand child care throughout the state by reducing regulations for school-based and multi-state providers.
According to a press release, under this new law, school-based programs can serve children in the entire school corporation instead of limiting enrollment to the children of students or staff.
Heaton added that the new law will also extend the eligibility period for child care vouchers from two years to three years, giving Hoosier families more time to use their benefits.
“Access to quality child care shouldn’t be out of reach for Hoosier families,” Heaton said. “By streamlining regulations and giving providers room to grow, we can help provide more options for parents, strengthen our workforce and make child care more affordable across Indiana.”
This measure also allows multi-state child care operators to work under a single license, rather than requiring an individual license for each facility.
Heaton said, “This change streamlines the process with one application, a single license fee, and a more efficient, transparent application process.”
