Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) has introduced legislation (A.2042) directing the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to conduct a comprehensive study examining existing state laws and regulations that may be preventing the creation of new child care providers across the state.

As families across New York continue to face rising costs and limited access to affordable child care, Maher said the state must examine whether unnecessary regulatory barriers are contributing to the shortage of providers.

“New York families are already dealing with historic affordability challenges, and access to reliable child care is a major part of that burden,” said Meghann Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Maher. “This legislation will help identify outdated or burdensome regulations that may be preventing new providers from opening their doors. If we want to make New York more affordable for working families, we need to take a serious look at the barriers standing in the way of expanding child care.”

Under the legislation, OCFS would review relevant laws, rules and regulations and identify obstacles that make it difficult to establish new child care providers. The agency would also be directed to implement administrative changes where possible and report its findings to the governor, legislative leaders and the state’s Child Care Availability Task Force.

Maher said the study would serve as an important step toward addressing the child care shortage while supporting working families across New York.

“Child care is essential for parents trying to work, raise families and remain in their communities,” Hurlburt added. “By identifying and addressing unnecessary barriers, we can help create more opportunities for providers and improve access for families who need these services.”