On Tuesday, our board chair, Dr. Lisa Hollensteiner, testified at the state Capitol in support of Harvey’s Law — legislation aimed at protecting children from abuse in licensed child care centers.
During her testimony, Dr. Hollensteiner shared sobering statistics. Last year in Minnesota, 116 children in licensed child care centers had substantiated findings of maltreatment and nearly 1,000 children were injured. The youngest children are the most vulnerable — those under age three face the highest risk of serious harm.
Harvey Muklebust was just 11 months old when he died in September 2025 after being found unresponsive at a daycare in Savage. An employee has been charged in his death and allegedly admitted to choking the child. Investigators also believe there may have been a similar incident involving the same employee just days earlier.
Harvey’s parents told lawmakers that something as simple as a camera might have provided answers sooner — and potentially prevented tragedy. Harvey’s Law would require cameras in infant and toddler rooms at child care centers that receive state funding. It would require the. footage to be retained for 28 days.
We believe cameras are one practical step centers can take to better protect children.