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MaineLD 1736132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Increase the Supply of Child Care Services Through the Use of Contracts

Sponsored By: Cameron D. Reny (Democratic)

Became Law

CHILDREN AND FAMILIESCHILDREN AND FAMILIES - CHILD CARE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Priority child care for infants and high-need families

Beginning June 17, 2025, the Office prioritizes contracted slots for children under 3, children with disabilities, and underserved areas. The Office may also prioritize homeless children, children in child welfare, kids needing night or weekend care, and children learning English, based on local needs. This directs more slots to families with the highest need.

State buys child care slots from providers

Beginning June 17, 2025, the Office of Child and Family Services can sign direct contracts with child care providers. The state buys a set number of child care slots to make more care available and keep provider payments steady. The Office can use public or private money for these contracts when federal law allows. This helps families find care and helps providers plan and hire.

State sets child care contract rules

Beginning June 17, 2025, the Office must use regional needs data to set contract priorities, including Head Start and early learning sources. The Office adopts routine technical rules that explain how the contracts work. These steps help match slots to local demand and make the process clear for families and providers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cameron D. Reny

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anne Graham

    Democratic • House

  • Marianne Moore

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Tipping

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelle Boyer

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Wayne Farrin

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 77 • No: 68

House vote • 6/3/2025

ACC MAJ OUGHT TO PASS REP

Yes: 77 • No: 68

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 323

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MEYER of Eliot, the Majority Ought to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 289(Yeas 77 - Nays 68 - Absent 6 - Excused 0)The Bill was READ ONCE.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSEDIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  5. Reports READ On motion by Senator INGWERSEN of York The Majority Ought to Pass Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED. Sent down for concurrence

    6/2/2025Senate

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/22/2025House

  7. Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    4/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

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