Missouri lawmakers are pushing House Bill 850 to speed up childcare licensing amid a severe shortage, where three children compete for every daycare spot. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Schmidt (R-Eldridge), would allow temporary licenses for facilities in good standing to open new locations sooner after passing a safety inspection, bypassing long administrative delays.
Advocates, including Jordan Valley Health, say waitlists exceed 175 children, delaying expansion. Gov. Mike Kehoe has supported the measure, citing childcare as key to economic growth. While lawmakers raised safety concerns, no opposition surfaced in committee. A similar bill stalled in the Senate last year, but supporters hope early momentum and gubernatorial backing will push it through.
