STATEHOUSE (Sept. 2, 2025) – The governor recently ceremonially signed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) aimed at easing child care licensing restrictions to help expand access for families throughout the state.
House Enrolled Act 1253 aims to expand access to child care by reducing unnecessary regulations for school-based and multi-site providers. Under this new law, school-based programs can serve children from across the entire school corporation instead of limiting enrollment to the children of students or staff.
Heaton said this law also extends the eligibility period for child care vouchers from two years to three years, giving Hoosier families more time to use their benefits.
"Access to quality child care shouldn't be out of reach for Hoosier families," Heaton said. "By streamlining regulations and giving providers room to grow, we can help provide more options for parents, strengthen our workforce and make child care more affordable across Indiana."
This measure also allows multi-site child care operators to work under a single license rather than requiring individual licenses for each facility. Heaton said this change streamlines the process with one application, a single license fee and a more efficient, transparent application process. Child care center owners will gain greater flexibility when expanding to new locations, with each facility still subject to individual inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
To learn more about HEA 1253 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) (far left) joins Gov. Braun (center) and fellow bill authors State Reps. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) (far right) and Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) (second from left) for the ceremonial signing of a new law aimed at simplifying child care licensing in Indiana. The signing took place on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
