Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support workforce development by addressing child care needs for law enforcement and first responders. It focuses on creating a pilot program to help recruit and retain these vital workers by offering flexible child care options.

Main Provisions

• The bill allocates $1,000,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
• This money is intended for a pilot program in collaboration with WomenVenture, designed to recruit child care providers.
• The program will cater specifically to the needs of law enforcement and first responders by providing child care that aligns with their non-traditional work hours.
• The program will also offer technical support, help with loan accessibility, business plan development, geographic needs assessment, and subsidies for start-up and training costs to the child care providers.
• Scholarships will be available for participating families.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill proposes a new allocation of funds specifically for a pilot program designed to address child care challenges faced by law enforcement and first responders. It does not amend but adds to existing law by introducing this specific initiative.

Reporting Requirement

• The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office must submit a report by December 1, 2027, detailing how the funds were used and providing recommendations for future child care programs aimed at enhancing recruitment and retention of law enforcement personnel and first responders.

Relevant Terms

• Workforce development
• Child care pilot program
• Law enforcement
• First responders
• Employee recruitment
• Employee retention
• Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
• WomenVenture