Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has signed two bills aimed at improving childcare and early learning programs in Texas. The ceremonial signing took place at the Texas Capitol, where Abbott was joined by legislators and childcare advocates.

“These bipartisan laws are our state's next step towards establishing affordable, quality childcare for Texans," said Governor Abbott. "By removing barriers and streamlining regulations, we will improve childcare availability and expand access for Texas parents."

Among those present were Senator Brian Birdwell, Senator Donna Campbell, Representative Brad Buckley, Representative Angie Chen Button, and Representative Caroline Harris-Davila.

House Bill 117 creates the Governor's Task Force on the Governance of Early Childhood Education and Care. This task force is designed to identify and remove inefficiencies in how state agencies manage childcare and early learning programs.

House Bill 4903 establishes the Quad-Agency Childcare Initiative Commission. This commission will coordinate regulatory efforts among the Department of Family and Protective Services, Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Workforce Commission to streamline childcare regulations in the state.