Sponsors (8)
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Strikes the existing text of section 658B (authorization of appropriations) and inserts new text (text not provided in snippet).
Multiple amendments to application and State plan requirements, including requiring parental option to receive a child care certificate and that direct services be provided via certificates; changes to various plan subparagraphs; added certifications regarding notification and review related to relative caregivers; changes to reservation funding percentages and payment rate certification for relative caregivers.
Amends limitations section by changing terminology in the paragraph heading and replacing the word 'sectarian' with 'religious'.
Modifies the activities to improve quality of child care by changing reserved percentages: strikes existing paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserts new (2) specifying not more than 9% reserved under (A) and in addition 3% for infants and toddlers under (B); and makes other conforming edits in subsection (b).
Amends reporting provisions by changing wording 'home care' to 'in-home care' and making an additional deletion in paragraph (2)(C).
Amends national hotline and website requirements to add notice that parents may use child care certificates to pay relative caregivers or disburse to married parents acting as relative caregivers (subject to income/work requirements).
Strikes subsection (a) and amends subsection (b) by changing 'Tuition' to 'With', altering limitations on sectarian activities and related language.
Amends nondiscrimination provisions: replaces 'sectarian' with 'religious' in subsection (a)(1)(B); removes and redesignates certain subparagraphs in paragraph (3); and inserts a new paragraph (4) providing detailed protections for religious child care providers, including licensing requirements, rights to retain religious character, permissible practices, a statement that existing religious exemptions (title VII, title VIII, title IX, ADA, RFRA, RLUIPA, etc.) shall not be waived, and a private right of action with possible attorney's fees.
Extensively revises definitions: replaces the definition of 'child care certificate' to allow certificates as payment, deposits, or disbursements to married parents acting as relative caregivers; changes asset limit and income eligibility subparagraphs, defines 'in-home child care provider' and 'relative caregiver', allows 'one or more individuals' for family child care providers, and adjusts numbering of definitions.
Amends parental rights section by striking specified text and removing subsection (b).
And 9 more affected sections...
Expands how federal child care vouchers can be used, adds protections for parents and religious child care providers, defines and supports relative and in‑home caregivers, caps certain state set‑asides, and launches two pilot programs (one to prevent fraud and one to increase safe relative caregiving). It also requires states to certify clear payment rules and parent notices, adds new definitions, and sets regular reporting and reviews. At the same time, it repeals the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. The tax changes apply to tax years beginning after enactment, with conforming edits to related tax rules.
State plans must provide assurances that parents of eligible children are given the option to receive a child care certificate and that all direct services under the subchapter will be provided via child care certificates.
State plans must certify that payment rate to relative caregivers is not less than 75 percent of the rate for family child care providers for children of the same age and in the same geographic location.
Amend Section 658B (authorization of appropriations) by striking existing text and inserting new text (text of replacement not shown in section).
Secretary must establish and implement a 2‑year pilot grant program to prevent fraud not later than 1 year after the date of enactment.
Authorization of appropriations of $50,000,000 to carry out the fraud prevention pilot program (658T).
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Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced March 24, 2025 by Riley M. Moore · Last progress March 24, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House