DelawareHS 1 for HB 49153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE CHILD CARE ACT.

Sponsored By: Kimberly Williams (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New rules for paid child care providers

The law defines who counts as a child care provider when caring for children under 18 without a parent or guardian, for pay, and holding out as child care. It covers family child care homes, large family homes, centers (including pre‑K run by schools), child placing agencies, residential care, day treatment, and part‑day or full‑day programs. It does not include individual foster or adoptive homes where a state‑licensed agency placed the child. Being in this definition means providers must follow state licensing and rules, which can add paperwork and costs.

Public pre-K licensed and monitored by state

The law defines an early education program as a public program run by a state entity, including school districts, for children before kindergarten. These programs must be licensed and monitored by the state’s Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) and meet its rules. The law also exempts these programs from a separate licensing section used for other state-run facilities, while keeping OCCL oversight.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Laura V. Sturgeon
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/25/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 3/25/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
9/2/2025Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/25/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits
4/17/2025Senate
Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
3/25/2025Senate
Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT
3/25/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 2 Favorable, 10 On Its Merits
3/19/2025House
Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 49, and Assigned to Education Committee in House
3/13/2025House

Bill Text

Current
3/13/2025
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