This bill establishes a federal grant program to help law enforcement agencies provide child care services for their officers' children, particularly during shift work and nontraditional hours. The Department of Health and Human Services would award competitive grants to state and local "lead agencies" for three-year periods, which then distribute funds to police departments and child care providers to establish or expand child care programs, train providers, or help officers afford child care costs. At least 20 percent of funding must support smaller police departments with fewer than 200 officers. Eligible uses include startup costs, facility construction or renovation, care for sick children, and extended-hours services. Recipients must match federal funds with 10 percent of costs in year one, increasing to 33 percent by year three. The bill authorizes $24 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with the program terminating September 30, 2030, and requires studies at two and four years to assess program effectiveness and whether other first responders have similar unmet child care needs.
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