AZ SB1224

Establishes the Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program within the Department of Economic Security to assist qualifying employees with child care costs through a three-way cost-sharing model

Child care costs are split equally among participating employees, participating employers, and the state through grant monies distributed to regional administrator hubs

Eligible employees must work for a participating employer, have household income between 165% and 325% of federal poverty guidelines, and not qualify for other state or federal child care subsidies

Requires DES to designate three regional administrator hubs in different counties, including at least one rural county, to ensure geographic diversity

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish and administer the program, with a report on effectiveness due by December 31, 2028