HARRISBURG — A bill that would give tax credits to employers for helping employees with child care expenses passed in the House with bipartisan support and is headed to the Senate, as lawmakers aim to help families confronted by a staff-starved child care system.

“Our child care system in this Commonwealth is very fragile” and at risk of failing, Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and a prime sponsor, said on the House floor on Wednesday. Moments later, members voted 155-47 to approve the bill, with all Democrats and 53 Republicans in favor.

Employers would get a tax credit equal to 30% of the aggregate contribution they made to employees’ child care expenses during a tax year, with only the first $500 in contributions per employee counting toward the total used in the determination.

The bill now goes to the Republican-dominated Senate for consideration. A spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro, Will Simons, said Mr. Shapiro “will continue to monitor this legislation.”