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Bill

HB 2492

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for notification of child care closure and for notification of child care closure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 15 co-sponsors

HB 2492 gives DHS authority to require certain providers to maintain insurance and to improve notification to families when child care programs close.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2492

Overview

HB 2492 (2025-2026) amends the Pennsylvania Human Services Code to modify departmental powers and duties related to licensing, establish the department’s authority to require insurance, and create requirements for notifying about child care closures.

Purpose and intent

  • Strengthen state oversight of licensed human services providers by expanding the department’s regulatory tools.
  • Ensure financial solvency and continuity of care in child care and related services by enabling enforcement through insurance requirements.
  • Improve transparency and communication with stakeholders when licensed facilities or programs close.

Key provisions and changes

  • Departmental licensing powers and duties

    • Expands or clarifies the Department of Human Services’ authority to license providers under the Human Services Code.
    • Sets expectations for licensing standards, compliance, and enforcement actions, aligning with existing regulatory frameworks.

  • Insurance requirement

    • Authorizes the department to require certain providers or programs to maintain specified insurance coverage.
    • Scope may include general liability, professional liability, or other coverages deemed necessary to protect clients and the Commonwealth from financial risk.
    • Establishes mechanisms for verifying, updating, and enforcing insurance requirements (e.g., proof of insurance, renewals, remedies for non-compliance).

  • Notification of child care closures

    • Creates or strengthens duties for notifying relevant parties (families, licensors, funding sources, and possibly local authorities) when a child care facility or program ceases operations.
    • Aims to minimize disruption for families and ensure continuity of care options are communicated in a timely manner.
    • May require a specific notice period, format, and content for closure announcements.

Who/what is affected

  • Licensing entities and field regulators within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
  • Licensed child care facilities, early learning programs, and other eligible human services providers subject to state licensing and insurance requirements.
  • Families and consumers relying on licensed child care and related services (through better notice of closures and improved provider stability).
  • Potentially insurers and third-party administrators involved in issuing required insurance coverages and processing proofs of coverage.

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • The bill outlines the department’s authority and procedures for implementing licensing, insurance, and closure-notification requirements.
  • It may prescribe effective dates for new insurance mandates and closure-notification duties, along with transition periods for existing licensees.
  • Enforcement mechanisms (penalties, fines, license actions) would be defined in relation to non-compliance with the new provisions.
  • The bill likely directs rulemaking or regulatory updates to align with the amended statute, including possible public notice and comment processes.

Potential impacts

  • Providers: May face new or heightened regulatory obligations, costs associated with required insurance, and updated licensing processes.
  • Families/children: Beneficiaries of stronger provider reliability, improved ability to transition to alternative care when closures occur, and clearer information during disruptions.
  • State regulators: Additional statutory duties to administer, monitor, and enforce insurance and closure-notification requirements; potential administrative costs to implement.

Notes

  • HB 2492 is sponsored (as co-sponsored by a diverse group of representatives) and would be implemented through amendments to the Human Services Code.
  • Specifics such as the exact types of required insurance, the insured entities, minimum coverage amounts, notice timelines, and enforcement remedies would be defined in the bill’s text and any subsequent regulations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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