AZ HB2503

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 46-803 to eliminate the statutory requirement for child care assistance waiting lists and prioritization by income level.

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

Maintains eligibility for child care assistance for families transitioning off cash assistance, families diverted from cash assistance, families at or below 165 percent of federal poverty level, foster children, and families experiencing crisis situations.

Requires the Department of Economic Security to establish criteria for denying, reducing, or terminating child care assistance based on factors including parental availability, eligibility changes, cooperation with department requirements, and available funding.

Maintains existing limitations on child care assistance including 60 cumulative months per child, maximum six children per family, and requirement for copayments.