Child Care Affordability Commission - Establishment

HB 862 establishes a temporary Child Care Affordability Commission to study and recommend solutions for improving child care affordability in Maryland. The Commission, composed of 17 members including state officials, child care providers, parents, labor representatives, and business leaders (e.g., large, medium, and small employers), will examine barriers to accessible, high-quality child care, funding gaps, and economic thresholds for families. It must submit an interim report by January 2026 and a final report by December 2026 to the General Assembly, with the bill expiring June 30, 2027. The Commission does not enact policy but will inform future legislative action on child care affordability.