AZ HB2287

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 46-803 to eliminate the child care waiting list and modify prioritization procedures for child care assistance eligibility.

Appropriates $80,950,176 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance costs to eligible families with incomes up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level.

Removes prior language establishing waiting lists with income-based prioritization and replaces it with provisions to provide assistance to all eligible families within appropriated funds.

Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance including families transitioning off cash assistance, diverted from cash assistance, in special circumstances, and those referred by the Department of Child Safety.

Retains limitations on assistance including a 60-month cumulative limit per child, maximum of 6 children per family, and required copayments.