HR 5124119th CongressIn Committee

River’s Law

Introduced: Sep 3, 2025

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

River’s Law would amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to add two safety requirements for child care providers that receive CCDBG funds. Specifically, the bill requires that facilities where such services are provided: (1) prohibit constructing, maintaining, or operating a pool on the premises, and (2) install door and window alarms in the facility. The bill is named “River’s Law,” introduced in the House on September 3, 2025, by Rep. Torres (with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Carter of Louisiana listed as sponsors) and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The stated purpose is to enhance safety for children in federally funded child care settings.

Key Points

1Prohibition on pools: Facilities that provide CCDBG-funded child care may not construct, maintain, or operate a pool on their premises.
2Alarm requirement: Facilities must install door and window alarms to help monitor access and exits.
3Administrative scope: The amendments modify the safety provisions within Section 658E(c)(2)(I) of the CCDBG Act, inserting the new two-pronged requirement after the existing initial clause.
4Purpose and focus: The changes are designed to improve child safety by reducing drowning risk and strengthening facility security.
5Legislative status: Introduced in the House (H.R. 5124), sponsored by Rep. Torres (with co-sponsors listed), and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Children in child care facilities that receive CCDBG funding, and the child care providers and administrators operating those facilities.Secondary group/area affected- Parents and guardians relying on subsidized child care, who may experience changes in facility design or safety practices.- State and local child care licensing and compliance programs responsible for implementing CCDBG safety requirements.Additional impacts- Operational costs for facilities (e.g., removing or relocating pools, installing and maintaining door/window alarms).- Potential timelines and regulatory guidance needed to implement the new requirements (deadlines, enforcement, and penalties would be defined in accompanying regulations or future amendments).- Interaction with existing safety and licensing standards; facilities may need to adjust risk management and emergency preparedness plans to meet the new requirements.

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