ECECD INVESTIGATION TEAM

HB 293 creates a new Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) Investigation Team to handle reports of child safety incidents in licensed childcare programs receiving state funds. The team must investigate critical incidents (threats to child safety) within 24 hours and complete investigations within 60 days, requiring full access to facilities, staff, records, and victims. Childcare programs must cooperate fully, and the team must provide written findings to parents, facility staff, and law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected. The bill requires the department to adopt implementing rules by September 2026.