Relating to collecting and sharing capacity and enrollment information for certain day-care centers.
Impact
The implementation of HB 2271 is expected to significantly affect the way child care data is managed and accessed in Texas. By standardizing the information required from day-care centers, the bill not only aims to help parents make informed decisions regarding child care but also seeks to ensure that the state gains a clearer understanding of the availability and capacity of such services. This shifts some responsibilities onto day-care providers to ensure accurate and timely reporting, reinforcing a framework for regular engagement with the Texas Workforce Commission.
Summary
House Bill 2271 focuses on enhancing transparency and accessibility in the child care sector by mandating the collection and sharing of capacity and enrollment information for day-care centers. Under the bill, day-care facilities, including group homes and family homes, are required to submit pertinent data to the Texas Workforce Commission on a monthly basis. This initiative aims to create a centralized resource allowing parents to easily locate available child care options in their area, thus addressing growing concerns over child care accessibility as it relates to workforce participation.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 2271 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders who advocate for improved child care access and transparency. Supporters argue that the bill will serve as a vital tool in enhancing the child care landscape in Texas, aiding families in identifying local options. Conversely, there are concerns about the administrative burden it may place on smaller day-care providers, which could potentially lead to compliance challenges, particularly in low-income areas where resources are already stretched thin.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 2271 involves the balance between state oversight and the operational autonomy of day-care centers. While the intent to streamline data collection and improve resource availability is welcomed, some critics fear that increased reporting requirements may impose additional strain on smaller facilities that may lack the infrastructure to comply effectively. The bill’s implementation date of September 1, 2025, provides a timeline for stakeholders to adapt to the changes, but it remains to be seen how day-care centers will manage these new mandates and whether they will result in unintended consequences.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Human Resources Code
Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to criminal history record information and certain registry information accessible to certain educational and child-care entities and information required for employment in certain child-care facilities.
Relating to an interagency reportable conduct search engine, standards for a person's removal from the employee misconduct registry and eligibility for certification as certain Texas Juvenile Justice Department officers and employees, and the use of certain information by certain state agencies to conduct background checks.