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H 542

An Act expanding access to family, friend, and neighbor-provided childcare

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 25 co-sponsors

Bill H 542 enhances access to family, friend, and neighbor childcare in Massachusetts by ensuring fair pay for caregivers and supporting families with affordable options.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5282
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Bill Summary · H 542

Summary of Bill H 542: An Act Expanding Access to Family, Friend, and Neighbor-Provided Childcare

Bill Number: H 542
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Status: Hearing scheduled for September 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in A-2
Presented By: Representative Marjorie C. Decker and co-sponsors

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 542 aims to enhance access to family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) childcare in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to provide a structured framework for FFN caregivers, ensuring they receive fair compensation and support while addressing the childcare needs of families.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant amendments to Chapter 15D of the Massachusetts General Laws:

  1. Definitions:

    • Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care (FFN Care): Childcare provided by individuals exempt from licensure, either in the child’s home or by relatives.
    • FFN Caregiver: An individual providing FFN Care.

  2. Payment Structure:

    • The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is required to establish a payment structure for FFN caregivers that:
      • Allows families with childcare vouchers to fully utilize their daily value.
      • Bases payments on an hourly rate.
      • Ensures a minimum hourly wage for FFN caregivers that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum wage.

  3. Advisory Committee:

    • Within 60 days of the bill's passage, the EEC must convene a state advisory committee on FFN Care, which will include representatives from various organizations and FFN caregivers.
    • The committee will hold at least four public hearings and meetings in its first year to discuss and address issues related to FFN care, including:
      • Representation in governance and decision-making.
      • Resource allocation for FFN care.
      • Application processes for reimbursement.
      • Quality indicators and culturally responsive approaches to FFN care.

  4. Reporting:

    • The advisory committee is tasked with filing a report on its findings, which will be forwarded to key legislative leaders.

Impact

This bill is expected to benefit:
- Families: By providing more accessible and affordable childcare options through FFN caregivers.
- Caregivers: By ensuring fair compensation and support, which may encourage more individuals to provide childcare.
- Community: By fostering a more inclusive childcare system that recognizes the importance of informal caregiving arrangements.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the Committee on Education on the same day it was introduced.
  • A hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2025, where stakeholders can provide input on the proposed legislation.

Conclusion

Bill H 542 represents a significant step towards improving childcare accessibility in Massachusetts by formalizing and supporting family, friend, and neighbor-provided care. The establishment of a payment structure and an advisory committee aims to address the unique challenges faced by FFN caregivers and families relying on this form of childcare.

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

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