Legislation introduced in the House seeks to strengthen Kentucky’s childcare system to better support working families, local communities and employers across the state.
House Bill 6 and House Joint Resolution 50, sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield, and chair of the House Families and Children Committee, reflect the work of more than 40 stakeholders who spent 18 months studying Kentucky’s childcare challenges and reaching consensus on practical solutions.
Among those stakeholders is the Kentucky Collaborative on Child Care, founded by the Kentucky Chamber in June 2024, to bring together diverse perspectives, find common ground, and establish a forum for sustained collaboration on childcare policy.
“Working families are essential to a strong economy, and without childcare, parents can’t fully participate in the workforce—holding Kentucky back,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. “This effort helped shape a strong plan that will open opportunities for Kentuckians. The Kentucky Chamber is proud to have helped move this issue forward, and we look forward to working with Chair Heavrin and the General Assembly to advance this legislation during the 2026 session.”
According to research by the Kentucky Chamber’s Center for Policy and research, a stronger childcare system could help between 16,000 and 28,000 Kentucky parents start looking for work and join the workforce. This could generate up to $1.1 billion in new wages and state tax revenues throughout the state.
“When more people are able to work, it creates better opportunities and stronger communities. Childcare has continued to be a challenge for families, and until it’s no longer an issue, I’m committed to continuing this work,” Heavrin said.
The measures address regulations, quality, innovation, affordability, the childcare workforce, children with special needs, childcare governance, support for childcare providers, community engagement, data and financial transparency.
The legislation has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Rep. Samara Heavrin LRC Photo
