House lawmaker wins interim‑study approval to examine zoning exemptions for licensed family child‑care homes

State Representative Randy Torres asked the committee to approve an interim study to examine expanding zoning exemptions for licensed family child‑care homes, saying local zoning can block providers who meet state licensing standards and that family homes are a low‑cost way to increase childcare access in rural and small towns.

Torres described a pilot in western Benton County involving the cities of Gentry and Gravett in which flexibility around zoning has allowed multiple family care homes to open and place 60–80 children in care; he said two more homes planned to open July 1 and that the pilot produced no neighbor complaints or service strains. He asked the House committee to adopt the interim study to gather stakeholders, explore policy options and develop a statewide strategy.

The committee moved to adopt the proposed study (a House interim study based on former House Bill 1997). The chair called for a motion and second; members voted “aye” and the chair announced the ayes had it and the interim study proposal passed. The committee did not set statutory language at this meeting; the approved action authorizes an interim study to gather data and stakeholders to consider zoning exemptions as a policy option to expand family child‑care home availability.

Why it matters: Committee supporters noted childcare “deserts” in many Arkansas counties, capacity limits in existing licensed centers and the importance of home‑based family care as a cost‑effective expansion strategy, particularly in rural communities.

Follow‑up: The interim study will convene stakeholders and collect information to inform possible legislation; the committee recorded the passage of the study proposal during the meeting.