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Bill to require family‑childcare providers to notify parents about firearms draws split testimony
Summary
Rep. Linehan’s bill would require family‑childcare operators to provide written notice to parents if firearms are stored in the home. Supporters said parents have a right to know; opponents — including many providers — said the rule invades privacy, could endanger providers and is unnecessary because licensing already enforces safe storage.
A bill that would require operators of licensed family‑childcare homes to provide written notice to parents when firearms are kept in the home drew sharply divided testimony at the Committee on Children public hearing.
Representative Liz Linehan, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure is meant to put information in parents’ hands and reduce stigma by requiring a simple written notice. “It’s really about putting the power in the hands of parents and just giving them the information that they need to keep their kids safe,” she said during the hearing.
Supporters — including some parents and advocacy groups — argued the measure increases transparency and helps families choose care that fits their comfort level. Tara Volpe, a former early‑childhood professional who testified in favor, said the requirement “simply allows consumers to be better informed.”
Opponents included many licensed family‑childcare providers, trade groups and civil‑liberties advocates who said the state already enforces locked‑storage rules through licensing inspections and that the additional disclosure requirement would invade providers’ privacy and risk harm. Matthew Strasser, a licensed provider, told the committee mandatory disclosure would “jeopardize my reputation and my safety.” Several providers said the required notice could be misused by criminals or lead to lost business and stigmatize lawful gun owners.
Commissioner Beth Bye of the Office of Early Childhood testified she supports the intent of notifying parents that firearms are present, but recommended narrowing the bill. Bye said state licensing already requires firearms and ammunition to be stored in locked, separate locations and that failure to do so can prompt emergency action by OEC. She recommended removing language that would allow license revocation solely for failure to provide written notice and urged a corrective‑action approach in most cases.
Legal advocates noted the bill would not prohibit firearms in homes; it would only require a notice. Debate centered on whether notice improves safety or simply singles out lawful firearm owners. Some legislators pressed providers on whether signage would actually deter accidents; providers said that storage, not signage, prevents incidents.
The committee did not take a vote; members said they would consider amendments to narrow the requirement and to address providers’ privacy and safety concerns.
