Senators back study of childcare licensing and funding; proposal would use legislative program evaluation

Carmen Trehult, early childhood licensing administrator at the Department of Health and Human Services, described House Bill 11 19 as an agency bill that the House amended into a study. The amended measure would direct a study of laws, administrative rules and policies related to early childhood services and childcare licensing.

Senator Donna Beard asked the Senate to restore language clarifying that an advisory committee of stakeholders be convened during the interim so providers, parents and other affected groups would have a formal seat at the table. Beard said the advisory group would not be a permanent standing committee but would be formed to guide the interim study.

Several provider and business witnesses supported a study that gives providers and communities a say. Andrea Fenig of the Greater North Dakota Chamber said childcare is a pressing workforce issue for employers. Bob McWilliams, CEO of the Grand Forks YMCA, said infant and toddler care is expensive to operate and that recent staff shortages produced an $89,000 operating deficit for his center in 2024; he urged funding and inclusion of providers in the study.

Some providers urged caution. Nicole Stevon, who operates a residential group care facility, said she supports a study but opposed immediate, broad statutory changes without extensive provider input. Tristan Kennedy, a University of Mary student, urged including CPR and sanitization safeguards in any future licensing changes.

Senator Kathy Hogan proposed an amendment that would request the Legislative Council’s new program‑evaluation unit perform a comprehensive, external program evaluation of childcare structures, licensing, funding flows and implementation of recently enacted laws. Hogan said the Legislative Council will add evaluation staff this interim and that program evaluation could produce an independent, in‑depth review rather than piecemeal statutory changes.

Senators discussed the need to ensure broad, accessible provider participation because North Dakota’s childcare providers are diverse — from in‑home providers to large centers — and some providers lack time or capacity to participate in distant meetings. Several legislators signaled support for a study with an explicit stakeholder process and asked Legislative Council staff and agency officials to coordinate timelines and public outreach. The committee recessed without taking a final committee vote on the study language during the hearing.