Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3304
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Families
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-30T08:06:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025" (H.R. 3304) aims to create a temporary pilot program that provides federal grants for child care services tailored to the needs of law enforcement officers. These services address the challenges of shift work and nontraditional hours, with the goal of improving the recruitment and retention of officers by supporting their families.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program Establishment: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families, will award competitive grants to "lead agencies" (state, territorial, or tribal entities designated under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990). These grants fund child care programs for minor children of law enforcement officers.
- Eligibility and Application: Lead agencies must submit applications to HHS, including assurances of matching funds. Grants last for 3 years, with a cap of $3 million per applicant.
- Set-Aside for Smaller Entities: At least 20% of funds must go to law enforcement agencies with fewer than 200 full-time officers or consortia (partnerships) that include such agencies.
- Use of Funds: Grants support "covered entities" (law enforcement agencies or consortia) in establishing or operating child care programs. Allowable uses include:
- Startup costs for child care programs.
- Training for child care providers.
- Financial aid to officers for child care expenses.
- Services for sick children, children with disabilities, or extended nonstandard hours.
- Contracts with local child care organizations or health departments.
- Facility construction, renovation, or operational expenses.
- Other activities approved by the lead agency.
- Matching Requirements: Covered entities must provide non-federal matching funds (cash or donations) equal to 10% in year one, 25% in year two, and 33⅔% in year three of total costs.
- Provider Standards: Child care providers must comply with existing federal health, safety, and quality requirements under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act and related regulations.
- Administration and Oversight:
- Lead agencies handle grant distribution, monitoring, technical assistance, and annual audits.
- Misuse of funds triggers repayment to HHS, with an appeals process.
- HHS must conduct studies (at 2 years and 4 years) on program effectiveness, including child care capacity, user demographics, facility operations, and unmet needs among other first responders (e.g., firefighters). Reports go to congressional committees.
- Definitions: Key terms include "law enforcement officer" (as defined in federal crime control law), "consortium" (partnerships involving agencies, governments, providers, or foundations), and "eligible child care provider" (meeting federal standards).
- Funding and Duration: Authorizes $24 million annually for fiscal years 2026–2030, with up to $2.5 million total for studies and administration. The program ends on September 30, 2030.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, targeted pilot program within the framework of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. It does not amend existing laws directly but expands federal child care support by creating a dedicated funding stream for law enforcement families. It builds on established definitions and requirements from that Act and related regulations, without altering them.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS gains new administrative duties, including grant awards, studies, and oversight. Lead agencies (often state child care offices) will manage distribution and compliance, potentially increasing their workload. Law enforcement agencies may see improved officer morale and staffing stability.
- Citizens: Law enforcement officers and their families benefit from accessible child care during odd hours, which could reduce family stress and support work-life balance. This may indirectly enhance public safety by aiding officer retention. Smaller or rural agencies gain prioritized access to funds.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. law enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Officers and Families: Primary beneficiaries, gaining child care support to manage irregular schedules.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Eligible for funds to partner with or subsidize child care, aiding recruitment and retention efforts.
- Child Care Providers: Receive funding for operations, training, and facility improvements, but must meet federal standards.
- Lead Agencies: State, territorial, or tribal child care offices responsible for grant applications, distribution, and monitoring.
- Federal Government (HHS and Congress): HHS administers the program and conducts evaluations; Congress receives reports to assess effectiveness.
- Consortia Partners: Local governments, foundations, or other entities collaborating with agencies on child care initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The program enforces accountability through audits, repayment for misuse, and adherence to existing child care regulations, reducing risks of fraud. It promotes equity by prioritizing smaller agencies and including tribes/territories.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to support public welfare and safety workforce, without raising federalism concerns as it uses voluntary grants to states and localities.
- Political: Sponsored by bipartisan members, it addresses law enforcement support amid recruitment challenges, potentially fostering goodwill toward police while expanding child care access. The pilot's time-limited nature (ending 2030) allows for evaluation before broader commitment, minimizing long-term fiscal debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]
Cosponsors (40)
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Kiley, Kevin [R-CA-3], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-08 — PDF (11 pages)