Workforce Solutions For the Greater Good: Why SB 2282 and SB 2107 Matter

Move aside for a bit of our childcare soapbox.
 
This legislative session, we’ve seen critical steps forward in supporting North Dakota’s workforce and business community. The passage of Senate Bill 2282 and Senate Bill 2107 in the Senate—now heading to the House—marks potential progress in addressing key workforce challenges. These bills provide practical solutions to one of the biggest concerns facing employers: childcare.
 
WHY THESE BILLS MATTER
SB 2282: Employer Childcare Income Tax Credit 
This bill makes it easier for businesses to support working parents by offering a tax credit for employer contributions toward childcare costs.

• Provides a 30% tax credit on employer contributions to childcare expenses.
• Encourages businesses to help employees with childcare costs, boosting workforce stability.
• Helps employers attract and retain talent by easing a major financial burden for families.
• Strengthens North Dakota’s workforce by making childcare more accessible and affordable.

Psst psst Legislators – there’s a REAL good chance this one is going to be on our scorecard. We brought this idea forward following our Economics and Employer Survey, 65% of our membership supported this concept. 
 
SB 2107: Strengthening Childcare Licensing Flexibility

• Simplifies the childcare licensing process to keep providers in business and reduce regulatory barriers.
• Allows training hours completed after submitting an application to count toward the next year’s licensing requirements.
• Makes it easier for providers to meet annual training requirements without unnecessary delays.
• Ensures continuity in childcare availability, helping parents stay in the workforce.
• Supports providers and reduces operational hurdles in an industry already facing workforce shortages.

 
SB 2389/HB 1119: Study on childcare
SB 2389 failed this week on the Senate floor; however, HB 1119 was amended to be a study.  This is now the vehicle to move the conversation forward. This bill calls for a legislative study on early childhood services and childcare:

• Evaluate the existing childcare framework, identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
• Provide administrative processes for providers’ clarity

We do feel a study is necessary to assess the total scope and set metrics to determine how the needle is moving. GNDC will be supporting HB 1119 as amended.
 
WHAT’S NEXT
Childcare is fundamentally a workforce issue that directly impacts North Dakota businesses. 69% of our members report that childcare challenges affect their operations. Without reliable and affordable childcare, employees—especially parents of young children—are forced to reduce hours, leave the workforce, or struggle with inconsistent attendance. Employers need a stable, productive workforce, and access to childcare ensures employees can remain in their jobs. Unreliable childcare impacts business efficiency and creates stress on many fronts. The resulting high turnover means increased hiring and training costs coupled with compromised productivity.
 
The Greater North Dakota Chamber supports policies that expand childcare options, to address this workforce option. North Dakota’s economy depends on working parents, and working parents depend on reliable, affordable, and available childcare.