H507

The Children First Act expands child care access and affordability, enhances child safety, and addresses infant mortality in North Carolina.

The Children First Act allocates funds to expand child care affordability and access, including increasing child care subsidy eligibility and rates. It establishes an employer-provided child care credit and a fast-track licensing program for experienced child care workers. The act also enhances child health and safety protections, including regulations on social media platforms, substance use, and firearm safety. It creates a Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team to analyze preventable fetal and infant deaths and recommends policy changes.