CA AB1981

Requires the Department of Social Services to report anticipated timelines for transitioning to new subsidized childcare reimbursement rates to the Chairperson of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, rather than to the Legislature generally

Mandates the timeline report be submitted no later than January 31, 2027, and annually thereafter until the new rates established under the alternative methodology take effect

Applies when new reimbursement rates required by July 1, 2025 do not take effect on schedule, ensuring ongoing legislative oversight of the delayed transition

Maintains existing requirements that any temporary transition rates must be at least equivalent to rates in effect as of June 30, 2024, protecting providers from rate reductions during the transition period