SB 286 Summary

• Commissioner of Early Childhood establishes child care subsidy program for families with working or student parents, temporary family assistance recipients, and early childhood program employees, effective July 1, 2024.

• Income eligibility standards set at 50 percent of state-wide median income with commissioner authority to increase up to federal maximum and waive standards for adoptive families and early childhood program employees.

• Priority intake system established prioritizing temporary family assistance recipients, working families, teen parents, low-income families, apprenticeship and education program participants, and early childhood program employees.

• Commissioner issues up to 20 family child care home licenses statewide (expanded from seven specific cities) for providers partnering with organizations, with licenses valid for four-year terms instead of expiring June 30, 2026.

• Program changes to eligibility, benefits, or status require 30-day notice on office website; waiting list management includes discretion to prioritize based on child age, income, region, and federal regulations.