ASSEMBLY CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1200

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1200.

This bill mandates that, as a condition of securing a new or renewal license or approval, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) require a child care center to establish a procedure to notify the parent or guardian of a child enrolled at the center in the event of the child’s unexcused absence and to determine the reason for the absence pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2020, c.152 (C.30:5B-15.2).

     Specifically, the bill prohibits the DCF to issue a regular license or approval to a center until it determines that the center has established the notification procedures required pursuant to provisions of the bill.

     The bill also stipulates that the DCF is to deny, revoke or refuse to renew the center's license or approval, as appropriate, if it determines that a center has not established the notification procedures required under the bill.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.