AZ HB2224

Amends section 46-803 of Arizona Revised Statutes to eliminate the requirement that the Department of Economic Security establish waiting lists for child care assistance based on federal poverty level percentages.

Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance, including families transitioning off cash assistance, families diverted from cash assistance, families under 165% of federal poverty level seeking employment, families referred by child protective services, and families in crisis situations.

Appropriates $80,500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2013-2014 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance costs to eliminate the current waiting list and serve all eligible families with incomes up to 165% of the federal poverty level.

Retains existing requirements including annual case reviews, copayments for families, 60-month cumulative limits on assistance, and limitations on number of children per family receiving assistance.

Maintains reporting requirements to the joint legislative budget committee regarding applications denied based on citizenship or lawful residency status.