WINDOW BLINDS IN DAY CARE CENTERS S.B. 602:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 602 (as introduced 9-7-11)
Sponsor: Senator Mike Kowall
Committee: Regulatory Reform
Date Completed: 1-25-12
CONTENT
The bill would amend the child care licensing Act to prohibit licensed child care organizations from using window coverings with cords capable of forming a loop and posing a risk of strangulation.
Specifically, the minimum licensing requirements under the Act would have to include a prohibition on the use of window blinds or other window coverings with pull cords or inner cords capable of forming a loop and posing a risk of strangulation to a young child. Window blinds and other coverings manufactured or properly retrofitted in a manner that eliminated the formation of loops posing a risk of strangulation would not be prohibited.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) could provide information, as available, regarding reduced-cost or no-cost options for retrofitting or replacing unsafe window blinds and window coverings.
When developing and periodically reviewing minimum licensing requirements related to safety of the premises, the DHS Director would have to consult and give serious consideration to publications of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(The Act requires child care organizations to be licensed or registered by the DHS. Child care organizations include child care centers, day care centers, nursery schools, children's camps, foster homes, group homes, child care homes, child placing agencies, child caring institutions, and parent cooperative preschools.)
Proposed MCL 722.119b Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Frances Carley
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb602/1112