Bill > SB2979

This bill establishes a Child-Care Innovation Pilot Program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission to address workforce needs by increasing affordable, quality child care across designated regions. The program will enable local workforce development boards in specific counties (primarily those with populations over 2 million) to partner with employers and child-care providers to offer grants for child-care expansion projects. Eligible providers must meet high-quality standards, such as having a three-star Texas Rising Star Program rating or national accreditation, and must agree to specific requirements like maintaining tuition rates, ensuring educators earn a self-sufficient wage, and accepting children in child-care service programs. 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 submit a comprehensive report by December 1, 2026, detailing the program's effectiveness. The pilot program will run from September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2029, with the goal of strategically expanding child-care services to support local workforce needs and help employers and families access affordable, quality child care.