Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures

House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures

Rep. Nate Davidson    October 5, 2026 | 4:16 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed H.B. 2492 with a bipartisan 159-43 vote, approving legislation authored by state Rep. Nate Davidson to protect working families and educators from abrupt child care facility closures.

House Bill 2492 requires licensed child care providers to give at least 30 days’ written notice to enrolled families, staff and the Department of Human Services prior to permanently closing.

“When a child care provider shuts its doors overnight, the ripple effects tear through entire communities,” said Davidson. “Children lose trusted routines, staff abruptly lose their paychecks, and parents are thrown into a crisis in the middle of an ongoing shortage. This legislation ensures families have a critical window to secure care and gives dedicated workers fair time to transition.”

Key provisions of the legislation include:

  • 30-Day Written Notice: Requires licensed centers to notify families, staff and the Department of Human Services at least 30 days prior to permanent closure.
  • Emergency Exceptions: Exempts facilities if a closure is forced by a governor-declared disaster emergency.
  • Financial Accountability: Authorizes DHS to require centers to maintain standard financial reserves or insurance coverage for operating costs and wages during the 30-day window.

“Every community across Pennsylvania depends on reliable child care to keep our workforce running,” Davidson added. “House Bill 2492 delivers basic fairness, predictability and stability when families and educators need it most.”

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.