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Subcommittee passes SB 99 to let DOD-certified family childcare homes serve military families without duplicative state licensure
Summary
SB 99 would exempt Department of Defense–certified family childcare providers who care exclusively for military families from California’s state licensing, provided they meet state health and safety requirements and anti-discrimination laws. The subcommittee approved the bill 4-0 and referred it to Appropriations.
The Senate subcommittee voted unanimously to pass SB 99, which would allow family childcare homes already certified by the Department of Defense to operate in California without an additional duplicative state license so long as they care only for military families and comply with state health and anti-discrimination requirements.
Senator Blake Shearer, the bill’s author, described the proposal as a way to reduce licensing delays for Department of Defense (DOD)–certified family childcare providers (FCCs) who move frequently with military assignments. "With DOD certification, that information follows the provider across states, meaning providers can reopen much faster after moving," Shearer said during his presentation.
Kelly Mae Douglas, representing the Department of Defense Office of the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness, testified as a sponsor in strong support and framed access to childcare as tied to military readiness: "Access to quality childcare for military families is not just a workforce development issue. It is a matter of national security," Douglas said.
Supporters said duplicative state licensing — including longer inspection timelines and additional paperwork — discourages DOD-certified providers from operating in California, reducing available childcare slots for military families who often face frequent relocations. The bill as presented requires a policy agreement between the DOD and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that will include enforcement, reporting and corrective-action procedures; CDSS would retain the right to inspect exempt providers.
Senator Menjivar moved SB 99; the committee recorded a 4-0 vote to pass the measure and refer it to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The bill includes a requirement that DOD-certified FCCs follow California’s anti-discrimination laws and state health and safety standards even if exempt from standard licensing procedures. Stakeholders present in support included Marine Corps Installations West and local veterans organizations.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 99 — Do pass and refer to Appropriations; recorded vote 4-0.
SB 99 will move to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review and to finalize the interagency policy required for the exemption.
