Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Senate is currently reviewing HB 269, a proposed bill focused on improving access to child care. The legislation, which was approved by the House in February, aims to address the state's child care needs through a series of tax credits.

HB 269 is led by Representative Brenda Shields from St. Joseph. Shields introduced the bill to the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee earlier this week. "It incentivizes taxpayers, both businesses and individuals, to invest in the private child care industry so all families can afford safe, reliable, quality care for their children," said Shields. She added, "This bill supports home-based child care, family home child care and center-based child care. It allows communities to develop the child care that they need and want, not government."

The bill contains three primary components designed to alleviate the child care shortage in Missouri:

1. Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which offers a 75% tax credit for donations to licensed child care providers.

2. Employer-Provided Child Care Assistance Tax Credit, providing employers with a 30% tax credit for offering child care services to their employees.

3. Child Care Providers Tax Credit, allowing child care providers a credit for employee payroll tax withholdings or for capital improvements.

Prominent companies such as JE Dunn Construction, Cox Health, and BJC HealthCare support the bill, alongside the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Missouri Chamber Federation.

Missouri Chamber president and CEO Kara Corches highlighted the significance of addressing child care issues to improve workforce participation. According to the Missouri Chamber's 2025 CEO Survey, 85% of business leaders acknowledge that the challenges and costs associated with child care prevent many Missourians from joining the workforce.

Also under discussion is SB 455, a related bill from Senator Lincoln Hough of Springfield, which was passed by the Senate Emerging Issues and Professional Registration Committee earlier this month.