PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1600

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1600

Introduced
6/11/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Refer
6/17/25  
Report Pass
7/8/25  
Refer
7/8/25  
Report Pass
7/9/25  

Caption

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1600 is set to impact child-care laws significantly by enhancing oversight and accountability of child-care providers. Facilities that participate in the Keystone STARS Program would be required to publicly display their STAR-level ratings, thus promoting transparency and informed decisions among parents. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the Department will provide guidance for advancing through the STAR levels based on comprehensive criteria involving staff qualifications and program effectiveness, potentially leading to higher standards in child care provided across the Commonwealth.

Summary

House Bill 1600 aims to amend the Human Services Code in Pennsylvania to further enhance the Keystone STARS Program, which is a quality rating and improvement system for child-care providers. The bill outlines provisions for the licensing of child-care facilities and specifies the roles of the Department of Human Services in issuing ratings and placards that denote a facility's participation in the program. This initiative is designed to ensure that parents have access to clear information about the quality of child-care services and facilitate improvements in early childhood education practices across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1600 appears to be positive, especially from advocates of early childhood education. Supporters argue that the enhancements made by the bill will facilitate better support systems and resources for child-care providers, benefiting both children and families. They believe that by improving the quality of care and education available to young children, the bill supports the broader goal of fostering a more educated and capable future workforce. Critics, however, raise concerns regarding the operational costs for facilities to meet new licensing requirements and the potential bureaucratic burdens this may impose on smaller child-care providers.

Contention

A notable point of contention among discussions surrounding HB 1600 is the balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility for child-care facilities. While advocates focus on the benefits of stringent quality measures, some industry stakeholders express concerns about the feasibility of implementing such standards, particularly for smaller or family-run operations. The requirement for public ratings and the involved processes could create disparities in access to resources and may disproportionately impact providers in lower-income areas, raising questions about equity within the child-care system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1746

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1056

In Treasury Department, further providing for investment of moneys; establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation; and providing for the electric vehicle road user charge effective date.

PA HB819

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for food allergy guidelines.

PA HB1767

In State institutions in the Department of Public Welfare, providing for reporting allegations of abuse; in departmental powers and duties as to supervision, further providing for definitions; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions, for fees and for right to enter and inspect and providing for inspection of out-of-home placements for youth adjudicated delinquent.

PA HB577

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB2432

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for regulations.

PA SB728

Establishing the Keystone Saves Program, the Keystone Saves Program Fund, the Keystone Saves Program Administrative Fund and the Keystone Saves Program Advisory Board; and providing for powers and duties of the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor and Industry, for investment and fiduciary responsibilities and for program implementation.

PA HB1002

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for inspection for continuing conformity to license.

PA SB961

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in keystone opportunity zones, further providing for qualified businesses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.