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Representative introduces bill to loosen daycare regulations, encourage home care
Summary
Representative Barbara Ehart introduced RS 32,233 to propose changes to Idaho childcare rules to expand permitted home-based care and reduce regulatory burden. The committee voted to introduce the bill by voice vote; sponsors said details will be developed for a full hearing.
Representative Barbara Ehart (District 33) told the committee she was proposing RS 32,233 to change state rules and encourage more home-based child-care options.
"We would like to present to you a plan, a very detailed plan, to change how we do day cares," Ehart said, adding that state regulations, in her view, have grown "bigger and bigger and bigger" and that changes could allow "moms and dads... to be able to watch in the homes."
Representative Josh Wheeler moved to introduce the RS and spoke in favor of the measure, noting experience from municipal government where the city reduced local requirements to align with a single state standard. Wheeler said he expects Idaho entrepreneurs and families to respond if regulatory barriers are lowered.
The committee voted by voice to introduce RS 32,233; the chair announced the motion passed and the item was introduced. Sponsors said they would present more detailed proposals and examples at a later hearing. No fiscal analysis, specific statutory text, or exact regulatory changes were discussed during the introduction.
Supporters framed the proposal as addressing an ongoing shortage of child-care capacity by reducing regulatory barriers for small, home-based providers. Opponents or members with questions did not speak at length at the introduction stage; committee members indicated they expect more detailed conversations during future hearings.
