ASSEMBLY CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1844

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 4, 2024

      The Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1844.

      As amended by committee, this bill requires child care centers licensed pursuant to P.L.1983, c.492 (C.30:5B-1 et seq.) to prepare and make available a notice of a change in the tuition rate charged by the center to every parent or legal guardian of a child attending the center, if the center proposes to increase or decrease the tuition rate by four percent.  The notice would be sent, 60 days prior to the tuition rate change, by receipted first class mail addressed to the parent or legal guardian at the last known address identified in the center’s records, or delivered in person to the parent or legal guardian by a staff member of the center.  The center would also be required to post the notice on its internet website or by other electronic means, and to display the notice in a prominent location within the center.

      The notice requirements will apply to rate changes occurring on or after the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amendments require that a child care center notify parents of a change in tuition rates if the center proposes to increase or decrease the rates by four percent instead of notifying parents of any tuition rate changes, as currently provided in the bill.

      The committee amended the bill to remove the requirement that the notice be sent by certified mail.