AZ HB2223

Amends section 46-803 of Arizona Revised Statutes to eliminate strikethrough language regarding waiting lists and prioritization by federal poverty level, effectively removing the department's authority to establish waiting lists based on income tiers.

Appropriates $80,950,176 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2017-2018 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance to eliminate the current waiting list and serve eligible families.

Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance, including families transitioning off cash assistance, diverted from cash assistance, families at or below 165% of federal poverty level, families referred by child protective services, and special circumstance families.

Retains requirements that child care assistance cease when family income exceeds 165% of federal poverty level (with time period for phase-out) or 85% of state median income, with priority given to lowest-income families.

Preserves existing provisions for case review, reporting requirements to the legislature, non-discrimination enforcement, and referral of recipients to child support enforcement and workforce services.