Rep. Rhyne files bill in North Carolina House to classify family child care homes

A new bill filed by State Rep. Heather H. Rhyne in the North Carolina House seeks to create a specific occupancy classification and safety requirements for family child care homes, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 309 on March 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Various Local Provisions VI.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the creation of a “family child care home” occupancy classification within the North Carolina State Building Code. Family child care homes within dwellings must be treated as Residential Group R-3 occupancy and adhere to specific safety requirements, including having rooms on the same level as exit discharge, being within 40 feet of a fire extinguisher, and having fire safety and evacuation plans. Homes must also comply with requirements for carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors. The Residential and Building Code Councils are tasked with amending the state codes to reflect these changes. The act’s provisions take effect upon enactment, with a sunset clause expiring once permanent rules are adopted.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Donny Lambeth and Erin Paré proposed the most bills (18) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Rhyne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998.

Rhyne, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2024 to represent the state’s 97th House district, replacing previous state representative Jason Saine.