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Senate OKs bills to let families secure summer childcare authorizations and expand camp licensing
Summary
Lawmakers passed companion measures (SB 278 substitute and SB 293) to allow advance purchase-of-care authorizations for summer programs and to ease licensing for accredited camps, aiming to expand summer childcare access for eligible low-income families.
The Senate passed two companion bills aimed at expanding working families’ access to summer childcare. Senator Pardee presented Senate substitute 1 for SB 278, which requires the Department of Health and Social Services to provide advance authorization for purchase-of-care after January 1 when authorizations are needed to reserve summer program spots, and clarifies copay calculations for half-day services. Senator Pardee said the measure does not expand eligibility but aligns authorizations with real-world registration timelines.
Senate Bill 293 (as amended) creates a licensure pathway for summer youth camps that already meet rigorous health and safety standards, including accreditation by the American Camp Association, so more camps — particularly in Kent and Sussex counties — could accept purchase-of-care funds. "We are not lowering standards; we are recognizing standards that already exist," the sponsor said.
The bills moved with bipartisan support; roll calls on the amendments and final passages showed 20 yes and 1 absent on both measures. Sponsors and supporters said the changes will open slots for children whose families rely on purchase-of-care, while amendment language settles eligibility and administrative details prior to implementation.
Next steps: The bills proceed for further legislative processing and implementation by DHSS and the Division of Public Health, which will align licensing rules and provider authorization frameworks.
