The committee voted unanimously to report proposed substitute House Bill 16 48 out of committee with a due pass recommendation, a measure sponsors said will give childcare providers flexibility and help address gaps in child care availability.

Representative Dent described the bill as relief for childcare providers and their workforce, saying it will “give them an opportunity to keep their workforce intact and also keep their centers working and intact.”

Representative Ortiz Self praised the proposed substitute for requiring the department to convene a stakeholder group and for removing costly data requests: “The proposed sub incorporates the changes that the department wanted into the bill. It also eliminates asking for certain data that would cost a lot of money.” Ortiz Self said she supported the bill but emphasized the need for accessible training and for the department to meet promises made under prior programs.

Clerks recorded a unanimous roll call on the substitute; the clerk announced “that’s 11 I, 0 nay.” The chair then reported the bill out of committee with a due pass recommendation.

Members repeatedly referenced the existence of “childcare deserts” across the state and said the bill aims to reduce barriers for providers. Questions during the discussion focused on ensuring state funds directed to providers carry training and quality requirements; Ortiz Self said that if state dollars are used, “we need some, unilateral, training, unilateral condition standards for all children.”

By committee action, substitute House Bill 16 48 will move forward with a due pass recommendation to the next legislative stage.