Bill > HB5529

This bill establishes a Child-Care Innovation Pilot Program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission to address strategic workforce needs by increasing quality, affordable child care across designated regions. The program will allow local workforce development boards in specific counties (primarily those with populations over 2 million) to partner with employers and child-care providers to award grants for innovative child-care expansion projects. Participating child-care providers must meet high-quality standards, such as having a three-star Texas Rising Star Program rating or national accreditation, and will be required to maintain specific conditions like paying educators a self-sufficient wage and keeping tuition rates affordable. The program will allocate at least 90% of appropriated funds to grants, with up to 9% used for administrative costs and 1% for research and evaluation. Local boards must submit quarterly reports on grant usage and outcomes, and the commission will provide a comprehensive report to state leadership by December 1, 2026. The pilot program is set to run until September 1, 2029, with the goal of creating sustainable child-care solutions that support local workforce development by making child care more accessible and affordable for working families.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5529