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SD 2292

An Act relative to child care cost transparency

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr

Requires private Massachusetts early care programs to display standard rates per child, per level online; non-website providers must disclose on request; takes effect in one year.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2292

Summary: An Act relative to child care cost transparency (Senate Docket No. 2292)

Overview

An Act relative to child care cost transparency would require private early education and care programs licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care to publicly display their standard rate information. The goal is to improve price transparency for families seeking child care and related services. The measure is currently in the status of House concurrence after being introduced in January 2025 and referred to committee in March 2025.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a new requirement (Section 6 of Chapter 15D, added subsections) for all private programs licensed by the department, including:
    • School-aged child care programs
    • Child care centers
    • Family child care homes
    • Large family child care homes
  • For programs with a standard rate and a publicly available website:
    • Each program must clearly display the rate, per child, per level, on its website.
  • For programs licensed by the department that do not maintain a publicly available website:
    • The standard rate of attendance must be disclosed upon reasonable inquiry.
  • Price disclosure notes:
    • Programs may reserve the right to disclose the stated price as subject to change or to other terms or services.
    • The listed price must be a reasonably accurate estimate.

Scope and Applicability

  • Applies only to private early education and care programs licensed by the department.
  • The requirement covers rates “per child, per level,” indicating rates may vary by age or program level.

Timing and Implementation

  • Section 2 states that the new reporting/display requirements take effect one year after enactment.
  • Until then, programs may need to prepare for compliance, such as updating websites or establishing an inquiry process.

Potential Impacts

  • Beneficiaries: families seeking childcare can compare costs more easily, potentially aiding budgeting and choice.
  • Providers: may incur compliance costs to publish and regularly update rates; those without an online presence must establish a mechanism to disclose rates on inquiry.
  • Market effects: enhanced transparency could influence pricing strategies and consumer decision-making over time.

Legislative History

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Senate Docket: 2292
  • Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (March 10, 2025)
  • Status: House concurred (indicating alignment with Senate-passed language and advancement toward final passage)

This summary outlines the substantive provisions and their everyday implications while avoiding policy judgments.

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

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