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Bill

A 5107

Requires DHS to conduct review of reimbursement rates paid by State's child care assistance program to certain child care providers.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

The bill requires the Department of Human Services to review and assess whether current child care reimbursement rates adequately cover providers’ costs and inform potential policy

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5107

Overview

A 5107 (New Jersey, 2026) is a bill introduced in the 222nd Legislature that would require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct a review of the reimbursement rates paid by the State’s child care assistance program to certain child care providers. The bill was introduced on May 18, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee. Co-sponsor: Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.

Purpose and intent

  • To evaluate and understand how much the State’s child care assistance program pays to eligible child care providers.
  • To identify whether current reimbursement rates adequately cover the costs of providing care, potentially informing policy adjustments to improve access, quality, and stability of child care services for families relying on state assistance.

Key provisions

  • Mandated Review by DHS: The bill requires the Department of Human Services to carry out a formal review of the reimbursement rates used by New Jersey’s child care assistance program for certain providers.
  • Scope of review: While the bill text summarized here does not specify every detail, the review is centered on the reimbursement rates paid to eligible providers participating in the State’s child care assistance program. The review would likely consider:
    • Current rate levels across different provider types (e.g., licensed centers, family child care homes, possibly other eligible providers).
    • The adequacy of rates relative to operating costs, wages, and market conditions.
    • Variability by region or county, and by age group or service type if applicable.
  • Report or process: The bill implies a formal DHS-led review, which would typically result in a report with findings and potential recommendations. The exact format, timeline, and required contents of the review/report would be defined in accompanying legislative language or administrative rules.

Affected parties

  • Child care providers participating in the State’s child care assistance program who receive reimbursement from the program.
  • Families and children who rely on subsidized child care services, as any changes to reimbursement rates could impact provider availability, stability, and quality.
  • DHS and other state agencies involved in administering or overseeing child care subsidies and related services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced on May 18, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.
  • Next steps likely include committee consideration, potential amendments, and eventual floor votes in the Assembly, with possible concurrence or changes in the Senate if the bill advances to that chamber.
  • Since this is a review mandate, the bill would typically require DHS to complete the assessment and issue a report within a specified timeframe (not stated in the provided summary). The exact deadline, if any, would be defined in the final bill text.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Short-term: Initiation of a structured assessment of current reimbursement rates and their adequacy.
  • Medium-term: If gaps or inadequacies are identified, DHS could develop recommendations for rate adjustments, policy changes, or data collection enhancements to support future rate-setting.
  • Long-term: Possible reforms to reimbursement methodologies, improved provider viability, and enhanced access to subsidized child care for families, depending on legislative action taken in response to the DHS review.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to require a DHS review of reimbursement rates. Detailed provisions, such as the exact scope, data sources, methodologies, and reporting deadlines, would be clarified in the full text of the bill as it moves through the legislative process.

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

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