Child Care for Police Officers Act

Summary#

This bill creates a temporary grant program run by the Department of Health and Human Services (through the Administration for Children and Families). The program will give competitive, 3-year grants to "lead agencies" to help law enforcement agencies and consortia start or operate child care programs for minor children of law enforcement officers. The child care is meant to cover shift work and other nontraditional hours.

Eligible uses include startup costs, provider training, financial help for families, care for sick children, care for children with disabilities, expanded nonstandard hours, contracts with local referral or health agencies, and construction or renovation of child care facilities. A lead agency may not give more than $3,000,000 from grant funds to any single applicant. Providers must meet existing child care definitions and safety rules in federal law and regulations. Lead agencies must monitor recipients, provide technical assistance, require annual audits, and report results to Congress after 2 and 4 years. The program would end on September 30, 2030.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a law enforcement officer: your agency or a local consortium could apply for funds to help provide child care that fits shift and nontraditional hours.
  • If you work for a local agency, child care provider, or nonprofit: you could be funded to start or expand care that serves officers and their families, if you meet federal child care requirements and apply through a lead agency.
  • If you are a small police department (fewer than 200 officers): at least 20% of each year’s appropriations are reserved to help small agencies or consortia that include a small agency.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $24,000,000 per year for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.
  • Of the total amount appropriated for 2026–2030, not more than $2,500,000 may be used for the required studies and for administration.
  • A lead agency may not provide more than $3,000,000 in grant funds to any single applicant.
  • Covered entities receiving funds must supply non-Federal matching contributions equal to: 10% in the first year, 25% in the second year, and 33 2/3% in the third year (these can be direct or donations from public or private sources).

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.