Bill > SB452

This bill establishes the Child Care Affordability Commission, a diverse group of 24 members including state legislators, government officials, child care advocates, parents, and business representatives, aimed at studying and addressing child care affordability challenges in Maryland. The Commission will comprehensively examine obstacles to creating a sustainable child care system, including barriers to increasing child care supply, supporting working families, and identifying potential revenue streams for funding. Specifically, the Commission will investigate the economic thresholds for capping child care costs, analyze the Child Care Scholarship Program, and explore ways to support families and providers, particularly those serving children in poverty. The Commission is required to submit an interim report by January 1, 2026, and a final report by December 1, 2026, to the General Assembly. Commission members will not be compensated but can be reimbursed for expenses, and the Commission may accept charitable contributions to hire external consultants. The bill will be in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, after which it will automatically be abrogated.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0452?ys=2025RS