AZ HB2901

Establishes a child care workforce scholarship program administered by the Department of Economic Security to provide scholarships to individuals earning below 85 percent of state median income.

Eligible recipients include teachers, educators, assistants, or support staff of department-contracted child care providers; district employees of preschool, kindergarten, or grades 1-12 programs.

Scholarship funds must be used exclusively at department-contracted child care providers, with the department paying providers directly rather than individuals.

Funds are dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis as monies are received by the department.

Appropriates $100,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026, exempt from standard appropriation lapsing provisions.