Sen. Chaudhuri files bill in North Carolina Senate to expand childcare on state property

A new bill filed by Sen. Chaudhuri seeks to increase access to childcare by utilizing state property and supporting programs for state employees and first responders, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 677 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘SOS (State Owned Structures) Childcare Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill establishes initiatives to utilize state-owned property for childcare facilities prioritizing state employees. It mandates that new or renovated state projects exceeding $5 million include a childcare or adult care center if housing more than 250 employees, unless such inclusion delays the project by six months or raises costs by 10% or more. A pilot program will create three childcare centers using underutilized state buildings, with a $5 million appropriation for implementation commencing July 1, 2025. This program emphasizes an apprenticeship in cooperation with educational institutions. Additionally, $6 million is allocated for a pilot program providing third-shift childcare grants for first responders, starting July 1, 2025. Studies will assess the feasibility of implementing childcare at community college and university campuses, with $100,000 appropriated for each study, effective July 1, 2025. A workgroup will examine streamlining licensure requirements for commercial childcare to ensure uniform application of building, fire, and sanitation codes, with findings due by Jan. 1, 2026. The act, unless specified, becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Sophia Chitlik proposed the most bills (52) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Chaudhuri graduated from Davidson College in 1991 with a BA and again in 1999 from North Carolina Central University with a JD.

Chaudhuri, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 15th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Terry Van Duyn.