April 11 was day 89 of the 2025 regular session. There are 16 days left in this session
April 16 is the Opposite House Cutoff. This is the last day to consider opposite house bills (5 pm) except initiatives and alternatives to initiatives, matters necessary to implement budgets, matters that affect state revenue, amendments, differences, and business related to the interim or closing of the session.
** Action needed Today** on SB 5506. This bill is stuck in the House Rules Committee. The bill extends the timeline for licensing boarding schools by a year. This allows accreditors time to include residential programs, DCYF time to finalize their rules, and the State Board of Education to finalize their process.
We are all in agreement that this bill is imperative. Please contact the House Rules Committee and ask for it to be brought to the Floor for a vote. This is coming down to the wire. We have until April 16, so this needs to happen now.
Please contact any members of the House Rules Committee.
Here are some suggestions:
- Chair Laurie Jinkins (District 27). La************@le*.gov
- Rep. Drew Stokesbary (31) Dr*************@le*.gov
- Rep. Kevin Waters (17) Ke**********@le*.gov
- Rep. My-Linh Thai (41) My**********@le*.gov
- Rep. Chris Corry (15) Ch*********@le*.gov
- Rep. Lauren Davis (32) La**********@le*.gov
HB 1543 offers alternative pathways to comply with energy standards. WFIS successfully added language to the bill extending energy standards compliance if schools face competing demands from the Department of Health. This bill currently affects Tier I buildings but establishes a template for Tier II down the road. This bill passed, and the two versions will need to be reconciled.
Engrossed SSHB 1648 supports early learning teachers by allowing a reasonable timeline for acquiring education. There are more negotiations about the timeline for teacher education and how long-term teachers receive credit for their service. This bill passed, and the two versions will need to be reconciled.
Engrossed SSB 5509 requires cities, towns, and city codes to permit childcare centers in all zones except industrial zones, light industrial zones, and open spaces. This bill passed, and the two versions may need to be reconciled.
SSB 5655 has passed. The bill requires that when a child care center is operated in a dedicated space within an existing building with more than one use, the occupancy load must be based only on the areas where the child care services are provided.
