Legislation from State Representative Bill G. Schuette that can lower costs and increase options for Michigan families in childcare passed the House today.

House Bill 5127 works with existing law to expand access to childcare for Michigan workers and families while cutting burdensome red tape. While the initial changes signed into law in 2022 were a welcome step in providing clarity around the procedures for childcare centers within multiple occupant buildings, bureaucracy has still led to needless state regulation that ultimately can impact the operations and licensure of others within these buildings. 

Schuette’s bill prevents the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs from regulating occupants or areas of multiple occupancy buildings that are not child care centers or being used by the child care center.

“Across Michigan, access to childcare is a top concern and families are asking us to lower costs,” Schuette said. “With this legislation, we can help on both of these issues, while also maintaining current protections in law to ensure the safety and well-being of children in these centers is paramount.

“This plan understands the acute needs facing Michigan families with child care and provides critical checks and balances that will ensure state departments are not being weaponized against people’s livelihoods.”

HB 5127, which is supported locally by the Greater Midland Community Center in Schuette’s House district as well as the Small Business Association of Michigan, was advanced in overwhelming, bipartisan fashion by the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.