Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026
Last recorded step: House, Jun 4, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would require federal officials to disqualify states from child care grant funding if they repeatedly fail to meet standards.
What it does
This bill would require the Office of the Administration for Children and Families to impose mandatory sanctions on states that fail to comply with the requirements of the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. These penalties would include disqualifying a noncompliant state from receiving further program funds, which currently support child care for low-income working families. While federal officials currently have the discretion to issue such sanctions, this legislation would make these actions compulsory for substantial violations.
Who is affected
This bill primarily affects state governments that receive federal funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. The legislation also impacts the Office of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which would be required to impose sanctions on noncompliant states. Additionally, the bill potentially affects low-income working families who rely on child care programs supported by these federal grants.
Key provisions
- Mandatory sanctions for program noncompliance. Requires the Office of the Administration for Children and Families to impose sanctions on states that fail to substantially comply with Child Care and Development Block Grant program requirements. This changes current law, which allows but does not require such enforcement actions.
- Disqualification from federal child care funding. Specifies that mandatory sanctions for noncompliance include disqualifying a state from receiving future funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 7726, No Funds for Repeat Child Care Violations Act of 2026· As reported by the House Committee on Education and Workforce on April 6, 2026
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill modifies the enforcement mechanisms of the Child Care and Development Block Grant program by requiring the Office of the Administration for Children and Families to impose sanctions for state noncompliance, whereas current law treats such actions as discretionary.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to strengthen oversight of the Child Care and Development Block Grant program by requiring the federal government to impose sanctions, including the disqualification of funds, on states that fail to comply with program requirements. It transitions the enforcement process from a discretionary authority to a mandatory requirement for states found in substantial noncompliance.