Measure would restrict who can operate child-care facilities

A summer audit of child-care licensing finding numerous providers did not meet the criteria to hold a license has prompted a bill that would restrict who can operate child-care facilities.

The bill would prohibit anyone from gaining a license if he or she resides at the premises where child care is provided and lives with someone who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor.

Rep. Susan Lawrence, R-East Millcreek, decided to sponsor HB254, which Tuesday advanced from the House Judiciary Committee, after the audit showed that a spouse of a child-care center director beat a child attending the center.

"I think this is a very positive step in cleaning up and catching some of the mistakes that have been made (in past child-care law)," said Rep. Neal Hendrickson, D-West Valley.