The Michigan Senate passed legislation today aimed at increasing capacity and transparency at childcare facilities.
Changes include allowing childcare homes to care for additional children—if they meet certain requirements.
Republican Senator Wayne Schmidt says the change would help daycare providers stay in business. "Because of overregulation, because of—it’s not very profitable. The costs? People are getting out of daycare. Hopefully this is a step forward in removing some of the barriers," he says.
The legislation also gives a 90-day window for care providers to comply with new rules from state regulators.
The package passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support.
Supporters say the legislation is necessary to help address widespread shortages of childcare providers across the state.