Bills · S 3845
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3845Families
After Hours Child Care Act
INTRO FEB 11· LAST ACTION FEB 11
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because access to child care, especially for those working outside standard business hours, is a major challenge for many American families. If this bill becomes law, it could alleviate a significant burden for parents in professions like healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, or emergency services, who often work evenings or weekends. Better access to child care can mean parents are more stable in their jobs, can pursue promotions, and improve their family's financial security.
Without this bill, the shortage of 'after-hours' child care would likely continue, forcing many parents to rely on informal, potentially less safe arrangements, or to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce altogether. This bill aims to address a specific gap in the child care market, making it easier for more parents to balance work and family responsibilities, which could have a positive impact on individual family well-being and the broader economy.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes the "Child Care and Development Innovation Fund" within existing federal law.
This creates a dedicated funding source specifically for addressing child care needs during non-traditional hours.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes competitive grants for 5-year periods to expand existing or establish new child care programs for parents working non-traditional hours, including workplace-based care.
This directly provides financial support to create and grow child care options that are currently scarce.
PROVISION 03
Allows grant funds to be used for staffing, facility improvements, curriculum development, meeting health and safety requirements, and acquiring necessary equipment.
These uses ensure that the grants can cover the practical costs associated with starting or expanding quality child care services.
PROVISION 04
Requires grant recipients to provide a 25% non-federal match for the cost of the program.
This provision ensures that local entities or other partners also invest in the child care programs, promoting shared responsibility.
PROVISION 05
Mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit reports to Congress every two years on the number of children served, parental employment status, and the impact of the grants on child care availability.
This ensures accountability and allows Congress to assess the effectiveness and impact of the new grant program.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 4
R· Indiana
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
65
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%
DEM 3 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 11
Introduced in Senate
FEB 11
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3845
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 11, 2026
Last actionFeb 11, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026
Senate BillS 3845Families
After Hours Child Care Act
INTRODUCED FEB 11, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 11, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
4
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
