DelawareSB 278153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Child care help for state-custody children

Delaware's child care assistance program is called Purchase of Care (POC). Children in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families qualify for POC assistance. This covers custody under Title 13, Chapter 25. The law takes effect immediately.

Family child care copayments reflect needs

For families receiving POC help, copayments must reflect household size and income. Copayments must also account for whether care is full-day or half-day. The law does not set payment amounts or say whether a family's payment increases or decreases.

Flexible child care with summer hour limits

Delaware's health and social services department must approve multiple providers when a child needs care at different hours or locations. It must approve a summer provider any time after January 1 when approval is needed for enrollment. Advance approval can cover enrollment only; the child must qualify for POC when attending. Total care authorized under this summer provision cannot exceed 10 hours per day. Summer breaks in care do not require a new application when school resumes.

Work-related child care help has limits

People who need child care to find or keep a job, or get training leading to employment, can apply for POC. Job seekers can apply for a period of no more than 90 consecutive days within a 1-year period. Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services determines eligibility and assistance amounts under its rules and Title 31, Chapter 3.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
Edward S. Osienski
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

SS 1 for SB 278 - Signed by Governor
8/17/2026Governor
SS 1 for SB 278 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT
7/1/2026Senate
SS 1 for SB 278 - Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
6/30/2026House
SS 1 for SB 278 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote
6/30/2026House
SS 1 for SB 278 - Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 4 On Its Merits
6/23/2026House
SS 1 for SB 278 - Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
6/18/2026House
SS 1 for SB 278 - Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 9 On Its Merits
6/18/2026House
Substituted in Senate by SS 1 for SB 278
6/16/2026Senate
SS 1 for SB 278 - Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
6/4/2026House
SS 1 for SB 278 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
5/21/2026Senate
SS 1 for SB 278 - Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
5/20/2026Senate
SS 1 for SB 278 - Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate
5/18/2026Senate
Substituted in Senate by SS 1 for SB 278
5/6/2026Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 5 Favorable
4/22/2026Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
4/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

Current
4/15/2026
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