Committee approves bill allowing one nanny to care for children from multiple families

The Labor, Health & Social Services Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 188, commonly described as "two families, one nanny," which clarifies licensing exemptions so a single nanny may care for children from multiple families without creating a licensed childcare facility under specified conditions.

Representative Yin introduced the bill as a constituent-driven effort to avoid unintended licensing requirements when two families share a nanny. "This bill allows for one nanny to take care of kids from two families," Representative Yin said, noting the measure includes guardrails to exclude very young infants and other higher-risk arrangements. (Representative Yin, Sponsor)

Nikki Anderson, Early Care and Education Unit Manager at the Department of Family Services, told the committee the department had no formal position and did not anticipate rulemaking authority would be needed. Micah Richardson of the Wyoming Women's Foundation testified in support, citing recent local childcare closures and the bill's potential to expand short-term access: "We appreciate that it is expanding access while not letting it get too off the rails." (Micah Richardson, Wyoming Women's Foundation)

Senators asked clarifying questions about whether occasional babysitting would trigger licensing; department staff clarified that occasional care is exempt. Senator Steinmetz noted that homeschooling likely remains an independent exemption in statute.

The committee recorded a roll-call vote on the unamended bill: Senator Crump — Aye; Senator Hutchings — Aye; Senator Scott — Aye; Senator Steinmetz — Aye; Chairman Barlow — Aye. The committee therefore forwarded House Bill 188 to the next legislative stage.