Committee approves printing RS31987 to move foster‑care licensing rules into statute and replace firearm-storage mandate with education

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send RS31987 to print; the measure would move certain sections of foster‑care licensing rules into statute and remove a specific rule requiring foster parents to store firearms and ammunition in separate locations.

Sponsor Sen. Brandon Shippey said moving rule language into statute restores regulatory authority to the Legislature and would incorporate affected sections into the Child Care Licensing Reform Act. He described the change to the firearm requirement as intended to protect foster parents’ Second Amendment rights while also keeping children safe.

"As a foster parent, this is a sacrifice our family made. I don't believe it is a sacrifice that foster provider foster care providers should make," Shippey said, explaining that the Department will create a firearm‑safety educational video to be included in orientation for prospective licensed providers. He said the department supports the change and that the video will address scenario‑based guidance for different age groups and behavioral needs.

Sen. Melissa Wintrow asked how the RS would safeguard against firearms being left accessible to children; Shippey said prescribing specific storage methods would be difficult to regulate and that an education approach would be more practical given the department's reliance on trust with foster families.

Senator Blaylock moved to send RS31987 to print; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee’s action advances the RS for introduction and future hearings; no statutory change or department rule was made at this meeting.