WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4187

Creates emergency closure prevention fund for child care programs at risk of closure; appropriates $10 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

Establishes a $10 million Emergency Closure Prevention Fund to keep at-risk child care programs open and maintain access for families.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4187

Summary of New Jersey Bill S.4187 (Session 222)

Title

Creates Emergency Closure Prevention Fund for Child Care Programs at Risk of Closure; appropriates $10 million.

Primary purpose and intent

  • The bill establishes a dedicated Emergency Closure Prevention Fund designed to support child care programs that are at risk of immediate closure.
  • The overarching goal is to stabilize access to child care by preventing sudden program closures that can disrupt families, workers, and local economies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Fund Creation: Establishes an Emergency Closure Prevention Fund within state mechanisms (the bill specifies its creation and administration, though exact administrative structure may be defined in the text).
  • Appropriation: Allocates $10,000,000 for the fund to be used specifically for preventing closures of child care programs.
  • Eligibility and use of funds (summary):
    • Funds are intended to assist child care providers that are at imminent risk of closure.
    • Eligible uses typically include operating subsidies, backstopped operating costs, payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other critical expenses necessary to keep programs open and maintain services for children and families.
    • The bill will outline criteria to determine eligibility, prioritization, and the process for applying for and distributing funds.
  • Administration and oversight:
    • Provisions likely establish an administering authority (possibly a state department or designated agency) responsible for applying the criteria, evaluating applications, and monitoring fund usage.
    • Potential reporting and accountability requirements to ensure funds are used for preventing closures and maintaining program continuity.
  • Duration and sunset (potential): The bill may specify whether the fund is temporary (short-term during an emergency period) or has a longer-term mandate; if not specified, the text might set conditions for renewal or expiration.

Who would be affected

  • Child care providers at risk of closure: Primary beneficiaries who could receive financial support to stay open.
  • Families and children relying on affected programs: Would gain continued access to child care services, reducing disruption.
  • Child care workers and the broader economy: By preventing closures, the bill supports employment in the child care sector and maintains local labor markets.
  • Local governments and communities: May experience reduced disruption from sudden program losses and associated economic or logistical challenges.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill includes a funding allocation of $10 million earmarked for the Emergency Closure Prevention Fund.
  • It will require administrative action to solicit, review, and award grants or loans to eligible programs.
  • Implementing rules, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements would be developed as part of the bill or through subsequent regulations.
  • Timeline details (e.g., start date for fund availability, application windows, and grant disbursement schedule) are expected to be defined within the bill or via implementing guidance.

Notable sponsor

  • Co-sponsor: Angela McKnight

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include specific sections from the bill (eligibility criteria, application process, reporting requirements) once you provide the full text or a link to the official bill language.

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

Sign in to ask a question.