AZ HB2460

Appropriates $79,400,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2015-2016 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance to eliminate the current waiting list.

Removes the existing waiting list provision that prioritized families by income level and time on the list, replacing it with criteria allowing the department to deny, reduce, or terminate assistance based on eligibility changes, availability of alternative care, and sufficiency of monies.

Maintains eligibility for child care assistance for families transitioning off cash assistance, families diverted from cash assistance, working families with incomes up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level, foster care cases, and families in crisis situations including domestic violence or homelessness.

Limits families receiving assistance under discretionary categories to 60 cumulative months per child, no more than six children per family, and requires copayments with possible higher rates for the first child.

Requires the department to report biannually to the joint legislative budget committee on total applications for child care assistance and denials based on citizenship or legal residency status.