02/08/2025

House Bill 41

Lead Sponsors: Representative Andrea White and Representative Bill Roemer

Status: Favorably reported from House Children and Human Services (May 14, 2025); First hearing in House Finance (June 3, 2025)

Description: The bill requires the Department of Children and Youth, in consultation with the Department of Development and JobsOhio, to administer a grant program to expand child care capacity, support the state's workforce, and aid in business growth. The bill appropriates $10 million in each SFY 2026 and SFY 2027 for this purpose.

The bill also appropriates $750,000 in each of SFY 2026 and SFY 2027 to support efforts to increase child care capacity through learning labs and cohorts.

CCAO Position: CCAO supported a budget amendment that was substantially similar to the bill. The budget amendment was ultimately not included in the final budget.