Assemblyman Castro Passes Child Care Provider Protections through Assembly

          Assembly Member Nelson L. Castro (D- Bronx County) announced the passage of Assembly Bill A.8243.  This legislation amends the current anti-retaliation laws to add the operation of a group family day care home or family day care.  This bill adds group family day care home and family day care home to the list of protected activities that a landlord is prohibited from targeting a tenant for.

 

            Current state law established by statute and judicial precedent allows for the operation of group family day care homes and family day care home within a residential property.  Landlords are already prohibited from retaliating against tenants that engage in rights protected by New York State Law. 

“This bill will bring a peace of mind to this industry which provides an essential service that enables men and women to continue working for their families and feel secure that their children are well taken care of,” said Tammie Miller, Chapter Chair, UFT Home Day Care Providers.  “We are grateful and pleased that this legislation has passed its first hurdle and we hope that our partners in the Senate will do the same and ultimately Governor Cuomo will sign it into law.”

             “Child care providers have been unprotected and targeted.  Once this legislation passes the Senate and is signed by the Governor, this industry will have a tool to conduct business without fear of harassment or retaliation,” said Assembly Castro.  “Currently there are more than 25,000 child care providers in New York, majority owned and operated by women.  For the past 15 years this industry has made significant contributions to our great state and should receive all the rights and protections afforded to similar establishments.”

This legislation will apply to day cares operated pursuant to section 390 of the social service law, which requires licensing or registration with the Office of Children and Family Services.  The day cares must also be operated out of dwellings that are in compliance with New York State Building and Fire Prevention Code.