The Modernize the Au Pair Program Act of 2025 would reaffirm that the federal government, through the Department of State, has exclusive authority to regulate the au pair cultural exchange program. The bill states that states and local governments may not enact or enforce laws affecting the program, and it directs the Secretary of State to submit a revised proposed rule within 90 days of enactment.
The required rulemaking would aim to create a uniform national modification to the stipend and educational stipend paid by host families, while keeping the program affordable and accounting for room, board, and other costs borne by host families. The bill also instructs the Department of State to increase flexibility for military families, first responders, single parents, shift workers, and other households with non-traditional schedules, and to preserve the program’s cultural immersion purpose.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would preempt state and local regulation of the au pair program and reinforce federal supremacy over program standards administered by the Department of State. It would affect host families, au pairs, sponsoring organizations, and any state or local laws that attempt to regulate wages, scheduling, or other program conditions. The bill would also require the Department of State to move quickly on a new proposed rule addressing stipend levels and program flexibility.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally favorable toward the au pair program and its role in cultural exchange and childcare access. Its findings emphasize benefits to working families, military households, and the broader economy, suggesting strong support from the sponsors for preserving and modernizing the program. No committee transcript or vote record is available in the provided materials, so there is no recorded opposition or bipartisan debate to assess.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely federal preemption: the bill would bar states and localities from regulating the au pair program, which could draw concern from state policymakers, labor advocates, or others who favor local authority or stronger worker protections. Another potential area of dispute is the stipend rulemaking, since the bill seeks a nationally uniform modification that keeps the program affordable for host families while still compensating au pairs, a balance that could be contested by host family groups, program sponsors, and worker advocates. The bill also reflects a policy choice to prioritize flexibility for military and other non-traditional households, which may be supported by those groups but questioned by critics concerned about program standards.