Reps. Williams, Swearingen Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Child Safety and Prevent Fraud in State-Funded Childcare Centers

COLUMBUS, OH - State Representatives Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) today introduced legislation that would require the installation of instant-access video cameras at childcare centers that receive public funds, a measure aimed at improving child safety, strengthening oversight, and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.

"Ohio has a responsibility to ensure that children in publicly funded childcare centers are safe and that taxpayer dollars are being used honestly," said Rep. Williams. "The state needs to possess adequate tools to fully audit these centers and to guarantee child safety in a meaningful and appropriate way. This legislation closes that gap."

Under the legislation, state-funded childcare centers would be required to:

• Install cameras with a clear line of sight to both the exterior and interior of every entrance;
• Install cameras in general childcare areas, excluding restrooms, changing areas, administrative offices, and other private spaces;
• Retain video recordings for a minimum of 60 days;
• Provide the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) with instant access to live and stored video for attendance audits, administrative oversight, and child safety concerns;
• Utilize a secure system developed by DCY to conduct and log visual attendance audits; and
• Face immediate suspension or termination of public funding upon credible suspicion of waste, fraud, or abuse.

"This is a reasonable requirement for childcare centers that accept public funds," said Rep. Swearingen. "It protects children, respects privacy, and gives the state the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable. By raising the standard for compliance, Ohio can lead the nation in preventing fraud in a system that must put children first."

The bill awaits a number and committee assignment.