Maine's House Bill 1915, introduced on March 26, 2025, aims to enhance safety measures in licensed child care centers by mandating the installation of video security cameras. This legislation seeks to address growing concerns about child safety in early childhood environments, particularly regarding outdoor recreational areas.

The bill stipulates that child care centers must equip themselves with a sufficient number of cameras to ensure visibility of all outdoor equipment used by infants and toddlers, covering at least 80 percent of the fenced outdoor space. The cameras must operate continuously during center hours, recording at a minimum resolution of 720p and a frame rate of 15 frames per second. This requirement is designed to provide clear and reliable footage for safety monitoring.

In addition to installation requirements, House Bill 1915 outlines strict protocols for the retention and disposal of recorded footage. Centers must retain recordings for 60 days, with exceptions for ongoing law enforcement investigations or incidents that require reporting to state authorities. This provision aims to ensure that critical evidence is preserved in the event of suspected crimes or safety incidents.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and child care advocates, with supporters emphasizing the importance of increased surveillance for child safety. However, some opponents raise concerns about privacy implications and the potential financial burden on smaller child care providers who may struggle to meet the new requirements.

The implications of House Bill 1915 are significant, as it reflects a broader trend towards heightened security measures in child care settings. Experts suggest that while the bill may enhance safety, it also raises questions about the balance between security and privacy for children and families. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's progress and its potential impact on child care operations across Maine.