HB548 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Child care facilities, church based, licensing required, Sec. 38-7-3 am'd.

Summary

HB548 would require church-based and nonprofit religious school child care facilities to be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

What This Bill Does

It removes the current exemption that allows church-affiliated preschool programs to operate without a DHR license. Church-based child care facilities must obtain a license or approval from DHR. Once licensed, these facilities would fall under the state’s child care licensing rules and oversight. The change brings church-based programs under the same regulatory framework as other licensed child care providers.

Who It Affects

• Churches and religious nonprofit schools that run preschool or child care programs — they would need to obtain DHR licenses and meet licensing standards.
• Parents and guardians of children enrolled in church-based preschool programs — their programs would be regulated and inspected, with licensing in place.
• Alabama Department of Human Resources — would gain authority to license and regulate these facilities.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 38-7-3 to remove the exemption for preschool programs that are part of local churches or religious nonprofit elementary schools from licensing.
• Requires church-based child care facilities to be licensed or approved by the Department of Human Resources.
• Affirms that only licensed facilities may operate as child care providers, thereby subjecting church-based programs to state licensing standards.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Child Care