NJ S2991

Bill

NJ S2991

Provides categorical eligibility for subsidized child care services to certain child care workers.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill provides eligibility for child care services through the State's subsidized child care assistance program for "qualifying child care workers," regardless of the individual's annual family income. The bill defines a qualifying child care worker as an educator or staff member who is employed by a licensed child care center or a registered family child care provider for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services is directed to establish a process by which the Department of Human Services will confirm that a qualifying child care worker is employed by a child care provider for the number of hours required to access the child care subsidy benefit. The commissioner, moreover, is to apply for any State plan amendments or waivers necessary to ensure continuation of federal funding for subsidized child care services for eligible families under the "Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990."

AI Summary

This bill establishes that certain child care workers, defined as "qualifying child care workers" who are educators or staff employed at least 20 hours per week by a licensed child care center or registered family child care provider, will be eligible for state-subsidized child care services without regard to their family's income. The Commissioner of Human Services will create a system to verify these workers' employment status and hours, and will also seek any necessary federal approvals, such as amendments to the state plan under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, to ensure continued federal funding for these services.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Teresa Ruiz (D)*, Joe Vitale (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2991

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2991
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2991_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A2291	Provides categorical eligibility for subsidized child care services to certain child care workers.	Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading	Carry Over
A3478	Provides categorical eligibility for subsidized child care services to certain child care workers.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee	Same As
S1968	Provides categorical eligibility for subsidized child care services to certain child care workers.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S2991

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary