Written Testimony in Support of Crisis Nurseries License Requirement Modifications (S.F. 3698 – Dahms)

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Senate Health and Human Services Committee

April 7, 2026

Chair Wiklund and Members of the Committee:

The Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, writes to express our support for S.F. 3698, which would create modified license requirements for crisis nurseries. Unless absolutely required for public safety, people trying to serve others (especially at their own expense) should not face unnecessary barriers that inhibit their ability to serve the community, this includes barriers in state licensing. Please support this proposal to resolve this gap in state licensure.

When families are facing difficult or unexpected situations, they often need flexible and timely care and support. Sometimes, this may mean short-term, daytime care, and other times, they may need overnight care for their children.

Organizations working to respond to these situations are facing obstacles that are causing delays for parents, lessening the amount of care opportunities for children, or causing the organizations to choose to provide just one type of care, which may not fit with the needs of every family in crisis. But it is within the state’s power to provide flexibility to these organizations so they can fully respond to the needs of parents. If we want to make Minnesota the best state to raise a family, it is incumbent upon us to create pathways where families’ needs are met, especially during times of uncertainty.

As the Catholic Church, we care deeply about the well-being of children and families and aim to support families and parents in need. We recognize that parents can face challenges and life does not always go as planned. When parents are in these difficult situations, it can be a great relief to send their child to a crisis nursery where they know their child will receive a good meal and a place to play or sleep. It allows the parent(s) space to attend an appointment, make a decision, or respond to the crisis at hand with a clear mind. For the child, being in this stable environment, even for just a short time, is a great benefit socially, academically, and mentally.

We ask that you modify licensing requirements so that organizations can respond to the needs of Minnesota families with more timeliness and flexibility, and less bureaucracy.

Thank you for your consideration.
Maggee Hangge
Assistant Director for Family Policy
[email protected]