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HB 1344

Department of General Services - Assessment of State-Owned Facilities - Child Care Centers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bagnall Tudball and 12 co-sponsors

Maryland orders assessment of state facilities for potential conversion to child care centers to address workforce needs and accessibility gaps.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 650
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Bill Summary · HB 1344

Legislative bill overview

HB 1344 directs Maryland's Department of General Services to conduct a comprehensive assessment of state-owned facilities to identify which properties could be converted into or used to establish child care centers. The bill requires the department to evaluate feasibility, costs, and barriers to implementation, then report findings to the General Assembly.

Why is this important

Child care access is a critical infrastructure gap affecting workforce participation, particularly for lower-income families and state employees. This assessment could unlock underutilized state assets to address child care shortages while potentially reducing operational costs through repurposing existing facilities rather than new construction.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Converting state facilities into child care centers requires significant capital investment and ongoing operational expenses that may strain budgets or require new revenue sources
  • Competing facility needs: State-owned properties may have existing uses or future plans; repurposing them could conflict with other agency priorities or strategic facility plans
  • Regulation and licensing: Child care facilities have extensive safety, health, and staffing requirements that some state buildings may not meet without substantial renovation

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

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