AZ SB1554

Eliminates the waiting list requirement for child care assistance by repealing the provision requiring the Department of Economic Security to establish and manage waiting lists based on income levels.

Appropriates unspecified funding from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Department of Economic Security for child care assistance costs to eliminate the current waiting list and serve eligible families.

Maintains existing eligibility criteria for child care assistance, including support for families transitioning off cash assistance, families diverted from assistance, low-income working families, families referred by child protective services, and families in crisis situations.

Preserves income thresholds for child care assistance at one hundred sixty-five percent of the federal poverty level for most eligible categories, with assistance ceasing at eighty-five percent of state median income.