This bill establishes a competitive grant pilot program to support child care services for the minor children of law enforcement officers. Administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the program aims to accommodate the unique challenges of officers' shift work and nontraditional hours, thereby enhancing recruitment and retention within law enforcement agencies. Grants will be awarded to lead agencies for a three-year period, enabling them to fund local "covered entities," which are law enforcement agencies or consortia, to establish or operate child care programs.

These funds can be used for various purposes, including startup costs for child care programs, training providers, offering financial assistance to families, caring for sick or disabled children, and supporting facility construction or renovation. A significant provision mandates that at least 20 percent of appropriated funds be directed to smaller law enforcement agencies or consortia involving them. Covered entities receiving funds must also provide a non-Federal matching contribution, starting at 10 percent in the first year and increasing to 33.33 percent by the third year.

The bill outlines administrative duties for lead agencies, including technical assistance and annual audits to ensure proper use of funds, with provisions for repayment in cases of misuse. Furthermore, the Secretary is mandated to conduct two studies: a two-year study assessing program capacity and user demographics, and a four-year study evaluating the long-term impact of facility funding and the child care needs of other first responders. The program is authorized to receive $24,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with a termination date of September 30, 2030.