Relating to establishing a pilot program to increase the supply of child-care services and encourage employer partnerships to meet strategic workforce needs in certain regions of the state.

HB 5086 establishes a Texas pilot program to increase access to quality, affordable child-care services by connecting local workforce boards with employers and child-care providers. The program provides grants for innovative expansion projects and employer partnerships in designated regions, aiming to address local workforce needs. Local boards must submit strategic plans with measurable goals for child-care supply, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability, and the commission will select up to six regions representing different population sizes (over 50,000 or over 10,000 residents). This directly affects child-care providers, employers, and families in participating communities by funding new services and partnerships.