Sponsors (5)
The bill helps law enforcement families and small departments access shift‑friendly child care and builds local capacity, but it creates recurring federal costs, requires rising local matches, and may leave services vulnerable after short grants and the 2030 sunset.
Law enforcement parents — gain access to subsidized child care during shifts and nonstandard hours, making it easier to work, cover overnight/irregular schedules, and support officer retention.
Children — increased availability of child care, including sick‑child care and care for children with disabilities, improves continuity of care and developmental supports for participating children.
Small and rural law enforcement agencies — at least 20% of funds reserved for agencies with fewer than 200 officers or consortia expands access to the program for smaller and rural departments.
Parents and children served — program uses three‑year grants and sunsets in 2030, risking termination of services after grant periods end and creating uncertainty about long‑term continuity of care.
Small agencies and local governments — required rising non‑Federal matches (10%, 25%, 33%) could strain budgets and limit smaller departments' ability to participate.
Taxpayers — authorizes federal spending of $24 million per year through 2030, increasing federal outlays that could affect budget priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a competitive 3-year HHS grant program to fund state-administered child care programs serving law enforcement officers' minor children, emphasizing nontraditional hours and small agencies.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Kirsten Gillibrand · Last progress July 17, 2025
Creates a competitive three-year grant program at the Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Administration for Children and Families, to help state-designated lead agencies fund child care programs that serve minor children of law enforcement officers—with emphasis on coverage during shifts and other nontraditional hours. Grants can pay for start-up and operating costs, training, sick-child care, services for children with disabilities, family financial assistance, and construction/renovation; recipients must provide phased matching funds and no single applicant may receive more than $3,000,000 in grant funds.