House Committee Endorses Bill to Expand Childcare Access Using Vacant School Properties

In a pivotal meeting of the Government Operations Committee on April 7, 2025, lawmakers discussed House Bill 1175, aimed at enhancing accessibility to childcare services across Tennessee. The bill, introduced by Representative Williams, seeks to empower childcare centers by allowing them to utilize vacant or underutilized properties, similar to the provisions granted to charter schools.

"This legislation is crucial for making daycare more accessible to our communities," Williams stated, highlighting that it would also enable school-based childcare programs, like those run by the YMCA, to operate in a manner akin to traditional daycare facilities. Additionally, the bill proposes reclassifying childcare home family residential properties to facilitate these changes.

Committee members raised important questions regarding the safety of these properties. Representative Inverno expressed concerns about potential hazards, such as mold, in buildings that have been vacant for extended periods. Williams reassured the committee that the responsibility for evaluating these properties would fall on the entities leasing or purchasing them.

Another key point of discussion was whether childcare agencies would have priority access to these properties over charter schools. Williams clarified that while childcare facilities would not have first priority, they would have a "second right of refusal," making it easier for them to secure suitable spaces due to their generally smaller size requirements.

The committee's deliberations underscored the importance of ensuring that local childcare providers, including small businesses, have equitable access to these opportunities. Representative Towns emphasized the need for community-based childcare services to compete effectively against larger corporations in securing these properties.

The bill passed with a vote of 11 ayes to 1 no, signaling strong support for initiatives aimed at improving childcare accessibility in Tennessee. As the legislation moves forward, it is expected to foster a more inclusive environment for childcare services, benefiting both families and local businesses.