| Seeking to provide more daycare scheduling options for shift workers, Republicans recently advanced legislation to create more flexibility for working parents. Senate Bill 3207, sponsored by Senator Jil Tracy, authorizes daycare centers to operate for 24 hours and provide care for children for up to 12 hours if the parent of the child is employed in a position that requires regularly scheduled shifts. A 10-hour period must elapse between daycare visits. The bill directs the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the new system. Senate Bill 3207 received unanimous support when it passed out of the Senate on April 12. The legislation now advances to the House of Representatives for further consideration. |