Texas House Bill HB1761

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the child care accessibility and affordability task force.

Impact

The task force is tasked with conducting a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the current state of child care accessibility and affordability. It aims to create a cost-estimate model that forecasts the resources required to provide safe and affordable child care to families. Additionally, the task force will identify areas within Texas that have less accessible child care options and recommend strategies to enhance those services, with an emphasis on addressing disparities based on racial, ethnic, and geographical factors.

Summary

House Bill 1761 establishes the Child Care Accessibility and Affordability Task Force in Texas. This bill is a response to the growing concerns regarding the accessibility and affordability of child care for families across the state. The task force is composed of 11 members, including professionals from various sectors such as child development, social work, and the business community. Their primary objective is to study how child care accessibility can be improved while also making it more affordable for Texas residents.

Contention

One of the notable aspects of HB 1761 is its emphasis on employer-supported child care, which is not only aimed at improving access but also at encouraging businesses to support child care initiatives. Recommendations will also include streamlining licensing requirements for child care facilities to facilitate their establishment and operation. By requiring the task force to report its findings and strategies by a specified deadline, the bill aims to ensure that progress is monitored and adjustments can be made as necessary. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the implementation and community engagement in the coming years.