STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 53rd Legislature (2011)

SENATE BILL 477	By:	Crain

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to child care; amending 10 O.S. 2001, Section 404, as last amended by Section 4, Chapter 230, O.S.L. 2009 (10 O.S. Supp. 2010, Section 404), which relates to child care facilities; clarifying language; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     10 O.S. 2001, Section 404, as last amended by Section 4, Chapter 230, O.S.L. 2009 (10 O.S. Supp. 2010, Section 404), is amended to read as follows:
Section 404.  A.  The Department of Human Services shall appoint advisory committees of representatives of child care facilities and others to prepare minimum requirements and desirable standards for promulgation by the Commission for Human Services.  Committee members shall be appointed for a three-year term, with a two-consecutive-term limit.  A majority of any committee appointed to prepare requirements and standards for child care facilities shall be representatives of child care facilities.
B.  Child care facilities shall not allow children to be left alone in the care of any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
C.  The Commission for Human Services shall promulgate rules establishing minimum requirements and desirable standards as may be deemed necessary or advisable to carry out the provisions of the Oklahoma Child Care Facilities Licensing Act.
D.  Such rules shall not be promulgated until after consultation with the State Department of Health, the State Department of Education, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the State Fire Marshal, and any other agency deemed necessary by the Commission.  Not less than sixty (60) days’ notice, by regular mail, shall be given to all current licensees before any changes are made in such rules.
E.  In order to improve the standards of child care, the Department shall advise and cooperate with licensees, the governing bodies and staff of licensed child care facilities and assist the staff through advice of progressive methods and procedures, and suggestions for the improvement of services.
F.  The Department may participate in federal programs for child care services, and enter into agreements or plans on behalf of the state for that purpose, in accordance with federal laws and regulations.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2011.

53-1-608	JM	1/18/2011 4:30:03 PM