AZ HB2228

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 46-803 to eliminate the existing waiting list system for child care assistance by removing provisions that required the department to establish and prioritize waiting lists based on federal poverty level percentages.

Appropriates $80,500,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2014-2015 to the department of economic security specifically to eliminate the current child care assistance waiting list and provide assistance to all eligible families with incomes up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level.

Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance including families transitioning off cash assistance, families diverted from cash assistance, families earning up to 165 percent of federal poverty level, families referred by child protective services, and families with special circumstances such as domestic violence, homelessness, or medical conditions.

Preserves existing requirements for child care assistance recipients including annual eligibility reviews, copayment obligations, limitations on cumulative months of assistance (60 months maximum), and referrals to child support enforcement and workforce services.