Committee backs measure to publish licensing and inspection information for DCS childcare providers

Senate Bill 2647, amended by the sponsor at the request of the Department of Children's Services, would create a web-based searchable registry listing licensed or approved childcare agencies by ZIP code, showing license status, inspection results and adverse licensing actions.

Sponsor's intent and department response: Senator Roberts said the bill responds to state reports calling for improved oversight of residential facilities holding children in DCS custody and aims to help the public and oversight agencies identify where children are placed. Hayes O'Donnell, assisted legislative director for DCS, testified the department worked with the sponsor on amendment 15638 to remove confidentiality concerns and that DCS could comply with the revised language.

Confidentiality and limits: Sponsors emphasized the amendment excludes private family boarding homes, foster homes and any information that would identify individual children or caregivers. Members asked whether investigative material could be included; DCS clarified that identifying a specific investigation or case that would reveal individual identities could violate confidentiality but aggregate or non-identifying information about inspections and adverse actions could be provided.

Committee action: The committee adopted the amendment and voted to move SB 2647 forward to finance. Sponsors said the registry is intended to improve transparency while maintaining protections for private and confidential case information.