The bill aims to address fraudulent activities in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and enhance program integrity. It allows for withholding funds, emphasizes internal controls, and mandates provider debarment for fraud. Additionally, it sets improper payment rate thresholds, requires state performance monitoring, and prevents the waiver of sanctions for fraudulent activities. A study on fraud prevention in early childhood education and child nutrition programs, along with a broader definition of "Federal programs," is also included. States must submit annual reports on improper payments, and the Comptroller General will make recommendations to Congress after conducting a review.
No Funds for Repeat Child Care Violations Act of 2026
This bill subjects states to additional sanctions for improperly using funds under the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. The program provides grants to states to support child care programs for low-income working families.
Specifically, if the Office of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) finds that a state has failed to comply substantially with the requirements of the program, the ACF must impose additional sanctions, which include disqualifying the state from receiving funds under the program.
Under current law, the ACF is permitted, but not required, to take such actions for a state's noncompliance.
