HSB 623: Relating to early childhood and family services, including the creation of an early childhood and family services system, state child care assistance for the child care workforce, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions

What it does

This bill relates to early childhood and family services, including creation of an early childhood and family services (ECFS) system and child care workforce eligibility for state child care assistance (CCA). DIVISION I —— EARLY CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY SERVICES SYSTEM. The bill creates new Code chapter 234A (early childhood and family services system). The purpose of the ECFS system is to provide accessible, ongoing, and community-based services for children and families. The bill defines terms used in the chapter.

House subcommittee · named January 26, 2026

• Rep. Hans C. Wilz (R) · hans.wilz@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Michael R. Bergan (R) · michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Tracy A. Ehlert (D) · tracy.ehlert@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 4 for, 9 against

For: Association of Early Childhood Iowa Area Boards and Advocates; Four Oaks; Iowa Department of Health and Human Services; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council

Against: Association of Early Childhood Iowa Area Boards and Advocates; Common Good Iowa; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Iowa Head Start Association; Iowa State Association of Counties; Iowa State Association of County Supervisors; Linn County Board of Supervisors; Save the Children Action Network; United Way of Central Iowa

In plain words

1. January 26, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. January 26, 2026House subcommittee named: Wilz, H., Bergan and Ehlert
3. February 17, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 11–10
6. February 24, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2712