Bill > HB2646

This bill establishes a Private Child Care Task Force to study and address challenges in the state's private child care sector. The task force will consist of seven members, including one representative appointed by the governor (who will serve as the presiding officer), three senators appointed by the lieutenant governor, and three representatives appointed by the speaker of the house. The task force's primary objectives include investigating ways to reduce child care costs, increase the availability of high-quality child care, address scholarship wait lists, and help more families access quality child care services. Members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses and may accept gifts and grants. The task force is required to meet at least quarterly and can conduct meetings via telephone or video conference. They will conduct a comprehensive study examining child care costs, availability, scholarship wait lists, and strategies to strengthen the child care industry. The task force is authorized to request information from state agencies like the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Education Agency. By November 1, 2026, they must submit a written report with their findings and recommendations to state leadership. The task force will be dissolved on June 1, 2027, and the bill will take effect either immediately with a two-thirds legislative vote or on September 1, 2025, if immediate effect is not achieved.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2646