Bill to launch Virginia employee child care assistance program passes House and Senate

A measure put forward by State Del. Adele Y. McClure aims to motivate employers to support workers’ child care payments through a state-matched contribution program, per the Virginia State House.

The bill secured passage in both legislative chambers and, as of March 14, 2026, had been officially enrolled. It received a 91-7 vote in the House and a 40-0 outcome in the Senate.

Filed as HB18 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular 2026 session, state records describe the bill as: “Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program; established, reports.”

The following summary derives from an analysis of the official bill text and has been paraphrased for clarity regarding its scope.

Essentially, the bill establishes the Employee Child Care Assistance Program via the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation, offering state-matched funding to incentivize employers’ contributions to child care expenses. Employers can direct funds to qualifying mixed delivery providers or recognized third-party program managers, with matching rates detailed in the general appropriations act. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis, giving priority to small businesses. Family costs are limited to no more than 5% of their household income. Additional financial backing may originate from the military, foundations, local governments, or economic development groups. Any unused money from fiscal years closing June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, is rolled over through June 30, 2030. The foundation is expected to submit a mid-program report by Sept. 1, 2028, and a concluding report by Sept. 1, 2030.

Within the House, support broke down to 63 Democrats and 28 Republicans voting for the measure, while seven Republicans opposed.

The Senate saw 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans vote in favor.

Del. Adele Y. McClure (Democrat-2nd District) served as chief sponsor, alongside Del. Debra D. Gardner (Democrat-76th District), Del. Marty Martinez (Democrat-29th District), and 26 additional backers.

McClure earned a bachelor of science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011.

McClure took office in the Virginia House in 2024 representing the 2nd District, succeeding former delegate Candi King.

In Virginia, legislation is introduced in either the House of Delegates or Senate, then assigned to committee for scrutiny and possible modification. If advanced, the bill is debated on the floor and put to a vote in both chambers. A bill approved by both moves to the governor for a signature, veto, or to become law without action. The General Assembly’s regular session begins the second Monday in January every year. Lawmakers submit hundreds of proposals annually, but only some are enacted.

This report uses information from the Virginia State House. Source data may be accessed here.