Page 7 - Demo

7 | Page A pril 2 5 I ssueGovernor Kelly Signs Landmark Bipartisan Early Childhood Legislation~ House Bill 2045 consolidates early childhood care and education programs into the Office of Early Childhood, streamlines child care regulatory structures ~TOPEKA (4.24.2025) - Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed House Bill 2045, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. House Bill 2045 received widespread bipartisan support, passing the Kansas House of Representatives 99-23 and the Kansas Senate 30-10. This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children%u2019s Discovery Center in Topeka.%u201cHouse Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families,%u201d Governor Laura Kelly said. %u201cNow, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.%u201dUnder this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office, which will officially open in mid-2026, will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children%u2019s Cabinet and Trust Fund. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. The office will be responsible for the state%u2019s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.