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AZ SB1597
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/3/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lela Alston
Click for details
AI Summary
- Eliminates the child care assistance waiting list system by removing the statutory requirement for the Arizona Department of Economic Security to establish and prioritize waiting lists based on federal poverty level percentages
- Maintains eligibility for child care assistance for families with incomes at or below 165% of the federal poverty level, with priority given to families at 100% or below
- Preserves existing child care assistance programs for families transitioning off cash assistance, those diverted from cash assistance, special circumstance families, foster care children, and families referred by the Department of Child Safety
- Appropriates an unspecified amount from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026-2027 to cover costs of eliminating the waiting list and providing assistance to all eligible families
- Retains the 60-month cumulative limit per child, six-child maximum per family, and copayment requirements for certain child care assistance categories
Legislative Description
Child care; waiting list; appropriation
Last Action
Senate read second time
2/4/2026
Committee Referrals
Rules2/3/2026
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology2/3/2026
Health and Human Services2/3/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available