Senate passes SB 1535 to let agency manage ERDC caseloads within budget

Senator Anderson described Senate Bill 1535 as a targeted change to the Employment‑Related Daycare subsidy program that permits the Department of Early Learning and Care to manage caseloads consistent with budget constraints. "Changing this requirement will enable the agency to stay within budget by temporarily pausing the wait list bypass, if needed, to help control caseload growth," Anderson said.

Senator Naron Mislan said she would vote yes but emphasized that current ERDC funding is inadequate and urged future budgets to fully fund eligible families. "I absolutely appreciate that we are looking at how to help our early childhood funding be more agile. But I wish it were not needed," she said, calling for fuller funding so working parents and students can meet educational and financial goals.

Floor discussion was limited; no amendments were offered during third reading. After roll call on final passage the clerk declared SB 1535 passed.

Supporters framed the bill as an administrative tool to give an agency limited discretion to manage sudden caseload growth tied to available appropriations, while some members signaled the item reflected broader budgetary shortfalls for childcare that the Legislature may need to address.