Kentucky House Passes Childcare Modernization Bill

Measure sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin aims to strengthen state's childcare sector

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Kentucky House has passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield, that aims to modernize the state's childcare sector. House Bill 6 passed the House by an 84-11 vote and now moves to the Senate. The measure would address regulatory issues, modernize the childcare rating system, and implement data collection requirements to better understand the industry's capacity.

Why it matters

High-quality and accessible childcare is seen as crucial for unlocking Kentucky's education and workforce potential. The bill is based on recommendations from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Childcare Collaborative, which identified 37 actionable issues to expand access, improve quality, and modernize the state's childcare sector.

The details

HB 6 would require third-party review of childcare regulations, modernize the state's ALL-STARS rating system, authorize micro-facilities, and implement robust data collection on childcare capacity and provider numbers. The measure would also reform previous programs like the Employee Childcare Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) and the Certified Childcare Communities designation.

  • The Kentucky House passed HB 6 on February 18, 2026.
  • The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Childcare Collaborative released its report in May 2025.
  • The Childcare Collaborative was created in June 2024.

The players

Rep. Samara Heavrin

The Republican state representative from Leitchfield who sponsored HB 6.

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

The business advocacy group that created the Childcare Collaborative to identify issues and solutions for Kentucky's childcare sector.

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What they’re saying

“High-quality childcare is the key to unlocking our commonwealth's education and workforce potential. Currently, we have a childcare shortage and an opportunity to update rules, regulations, and infrastructure in our public agencies tasked with overseeing and supporting the childcare sector. This legislation has the goal to bring new life to our childcare centers, create pathways to reinvigorate our communities, and put in place prescriptive policies and procedures to grow our early childhood education system much like the success seen in Montana and Tennessee which have pursued similar reforms.”

— Rep. Samara Heavrin (k105.com)

What’s next

The measure now moves to the Kentucky Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This bill represents a comprehensive effort by Kentucky lawmakers to address longstanding issues in the state's childcare sector, drawing on best practices from other states. If passed, it could significantly improve access to high-quality childcare and strengthen the foundation for the state's education and workforce development.