The bill introduced on February 17, 2026, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 49-2-1107, which focuses on the development and implementation of a comprehensive model for estimating child care costs. The legislation recognizes the importance of affordable, high-quality child care for workforce participation and family stability, and it highlights that current subsidy reimbursement rates do not accurately reflect the actual costs of providing quality care. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to create a cost estimation model that considers various factors, including fair wages for staff, necessary staffing levels, program type variations, and regional cost differences.

To ensure the model's effectiveness, the Department is required to contract with an independent expert entity experienced in child care cost estimation. The model must be completed by July 1, 2027, and the Department will present a report to the Legislature before the 2028 Regular Session, detailing the model, estimated costs of quality child care, and a proposed implementation plan for the Governor's Fiscal Year 2029 budget. The bill also allows for phased implementation strategies to align funding with the estimated costs of care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-2-1107