This week at the Indiana Statehouse saw notable legislative actions. A bill, HB 1102, successfully passed in the House, aiming to relax certain child care regulations. The approved legislation empowers unlicensed child care providers in Indiana to extend their services to more children for increased weekly hours. Notably, it allows these providers to accept child care vouchers. Additionally, HB 1102 eliminates a requirement for certain licensed providers, doing away with the necessity for the person in charge to possess a high school diploma and specific training or experience in child care.
On a different front, a Medicaid policy bill, HB 1386, faced a setback as it did not progress on the House floor during a crucial deadline day. Democrats introduced amendments to the bill, seeking to temporarily halt proposed cuts to attendant care. Republican leaders argued that addressing the attendant care issue does not require legislative action this session and can be resolved through the standard rulemaking process of the Family and Social Services Administration.
In the Senate, another significant development occurred with the approval of SB 185. This legislation aims to restrict students from using cellphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices during instructional time, unless explicitly approved by a teacher for educational purposes. Exceptions include emergencies or situations where a student requires a device for health care management.
