SB 1495 Summary

• Removes the requirement for the Department of Economic Security to establish waiting lists for child care assistance and eliminates prioritization based on income levels and waiting list duration.

• Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state general fund in fiscal year 2020-2021 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance costs.

• Allows the department to provide child care assistance to eligible families with incomes up to 165 percent of the federal poverty level without waiting list restrictions.

• Maintains existing eligibility categories for child care assistance including families transitioning off cash assistance, diverted families, low-income working families, foster care children, and families in crisis situations.

• Preserves the department's authority to manage child care assistance within available appropriated monies through income eligibility adjustments and other criteria specified in statute.