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Bill would let family childcare homes operate at licensed capacity statewide (12 children)
Summary
Representative Shellcross Smith and SEIU 1199 testified for HB 7371 to align local zoning with state licensing and allow family childcare homes to care for up to 12 children statewide; proponents said local zoning caps (often at eight) undermine providers and reduce slots.
Representative Shellcross Smith introduced House Bill 7371, which would set statewide zoning that allows family childcare homes to care for up to 12 children — the capacity already allowed by state licensing. The sponsor said the change would reduce time and cost burdens of appeals to local zoning boards and increase available childcare slots for families.
Alex Moore of SEIU 1199 New England supported the bill on behalf of his union, noting the state licensing already determines safety and that local zoning limits in many municipalities (often eight children) create a mismatch that undermines small, home-based providers. SEIU 1199 said the measure would support providers' small businesses and expand child-care availability without new safety regulations or costs.
Committee members asked procedural and drafting questions and the sponsor said she is open to language changes requested by condo associations and other stakeholders. The hearing closed after testimony from the union representative and the sponsor.
