Bill > S2337

This bill establishes a competitive grant pilot program administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide child care support specifically for law enforcement officers' children. The program will award grants to state lead agencies for a three-year period to help law enforcement agencies create and operate child care programs that accommodate officers' nontraditional and shift work hours. At least 20% of the funds will be dedicated to smaller law enforcement agencies (those with fewer than 200 full-time officers) or consortiums including such agencies. Grant recipients can use funds for various purposes including startup costs, provider training, financial assistance for child care, services for sick children, care for children with disabilities, and facility construction or renovation. To receive funding, lead agencies must provide matching contributions that increase over three years (starting at 10% and rising to 33.3%), and must ensure child care providers meet specific regulatory standards. The bill authorizes $24 million annually from 2026 to 2030, with up to $2.5 million allocated for program studies and administration. The program aims to enhance recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers by addressing their unique childcare challenges and will include mandatory studies to evaluate its effectiveness and impact.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2337/all-info