This has to be one of the stupidest thing I've ever heard

MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. - A West Michigan woman says the state is threatening her with fines and possibly jail time for babysitting her neighbors' children.

Lisa Snyder of Middleville says her neighborhood school bus stop is right in front of her home. Because the bus arrives after her neighbors need to be at work, she watches three of their children for 15-40 minutes until it comes.

Acting on a complaint that Snyder was operating an illegal child care home, the state Department of Human Services told Snyder to get licensed, stop watching her neighbors' kids or face the consequences.

"It's ridiculous," says Snyder. "We are friends helping friends!"

She added that she accepts no money for babysitting.

Mindy Rose, who leaves her 5-year-old with Snyder, agrees. "She's a friend ... I trust her."

State Representative Brian Calley is drafting legislation that would exempt people who agree to care for nondependent children from daycare rules as long as they're not engaged in a business.

"We have babysitting police running around this state violating people, threatening to put them in jail or fine them $1,000 for helping their neighbor (that) is truly outrageous," said Calley.

A DHS representative would not comment on the specifics of the case but said the department has no choice but to comply with state law, which is designed to protect Michigan children.

Mom's are always trading babysitting.  You watch my kids one night and so I can have a night out and I'll do the same for you.  I just couldn't believe it when I read that.