STATEHOUSE (Aug. 29, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) that cuts red tape in child care licensing and helps make services more accessible for Hoosier families.
House Enrolled Act 1253 allows school-based child care programs to open their doors to children from the entire school corporation, rather than limiting care to only students and staff. Heine says this new law also gives child care waivers a longer lifespan, extending them from two to three years.
"Many families struggle to find reliable child care, and this new law is a step toward meeting that need," Heine said. "It will give parents more choices while making it easier for providers to serve their communities."
The law also simplifies the licensing process for providers that operate multiple child care sites. Instead of applying for separate licenses, operators will be permitted to submit one application, pay a single fee and hold one license covering all facilities. Each site will still undergo individual inspections to ensure health and safety standards are met.
Heine said House Enrolled Act 1253 is designed to reduce red tape, lower costs and make it easier for providers to grow, ultimately helping lower child care costs for Hoosier families.
To learn more about HEA 1253 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 85,
which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mike Braun (seated) ceremonially signs into law legislation authored by State Rep. Dave Heine (right) that cuts red tape in child care licensing and helps make services more accessible for Hoosier families on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Others pictured include law co-author State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) (far left) and law co-author State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) (second from left).
