Maryland Assembly amends childcare staffing ratio requirements for CPR certification

A significant shift in child care regulations emerged during the Maryland General Assembly's Ways and Means Committee meeting on March 5, 2025. The committee approved amendments to a departmental bill that alters staffing requirements for child care centers serving more than 20 children. The amendments repeal the existing mandate that requires at least one staff member per 20 children to be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR. Instead, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will now set the ratio of certified staff to children through regulation.

Delegate Miller raised concerns about the implications of this change, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict safety standards for young children. He pointed out that without a codified ratio in law, MSDE could theoretically set a much higher ratio, potentially compromising child safety. The committee acknowledged that while the amendments provide a regulatory framework, they also grant MSDE significant flexibility in determining staffing ratios.

Despite these concerns, the committee noted that there was no opposition from child care providers regarding the bill's amendments, suggesting that the changes might alleviate staffing pressures and associated costs for centers. The committee ultimately passed the amendments, with some members expressing caution about the increased responsibilities placed on MSDE.

In addition to the child care bill, the committee also discussed House Bill 237, which establishes procedural requirements for political party central committees when filling vacancies in the General Assembly. This bill received bipartisan support and was passed favorably.

Another key topic was House Bill 426, which mandates statewide risk-limiting audits for elections. This measure aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of election audits, ensuring public confidence in electoral outcomes.

As these bills progress, the implications for child care safety and election integrity remain critical topics for Maryland lawmakers.