AZ HB2632

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 46-803 to remove the requirement that the Department of Economic Security establish and maintain waiting lists for child care assistance based on federal poverty level priority.

Appropriates $80,950,176 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2016-2017 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance costs to eliminate the existing waiting list.

Expands child care assistance eligibility to provide services to all eligible families with incomes up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level, rather than rationing assistance through a waiting list system.

Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance including families transitioning from cash assistance, families diverted from cash assistance, families with special circumstances (domestic violence, homelessness, medical conditions), and children in foster care.