Federal: HR1889

Bill Summary

HR 1889, the Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025, requires states receiving Child Care and Development Block Grant funding to permit licensed child care providers to perform basic food preparation of fruits and vegetables, defined as washing, peeling, cutting, and serving raw or minimally processed produce. The bill removes state regulatory barriers that currently prohibit these simple food preparation tasks in licensed and exempt child care facilities. The legislation addresses concerns that excessive regulations have reduced home-based child care options, particularly for low-income and rural families, while making it harder for providers to serve fresh, nutritious food to children.

Why It Matters to MAHA

This bill directly aligns with MAHA's core principle of reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers that limit patient and provider autonomy. By eliminating unnecessary restrictions on basic food preparation, the bill enables child care providers to serve fresh, whole fruits and vegetables rather than processed alternatives, supporting access to cleaner, less-processed nutrition for children. The deregulatory approach trusts qualified providers to make common-sense decisions about food safety and preparation without excessive state bureaucracy. This removes obstacles to better nutrition while reducing compliance costs that disproportionately burden small and home-based providers serving vulnerable populations. The bipartisan sponsorship reflects recognition that regulatory overreach harms families and providers alike.