H.B. 504 Summary

• Establishes a two-year preschool child care worker subsidy pilot program administered by the Department of Human Services, to be implemented within six months of the bill's effective date.

• Provides wage subsidies to eligible child care workers (lead caregivers, caregivers, and child care aides) working in licensed facilities for children aged two through five to ensure they earn at least $19.00 per hour.

• Limits program eligibility to workers not employed by the Department of Education, public charter schools, or federally funded Early Head Start programs, and excludes workers at private educational institutions.

• Requires applicants to demonstrate U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, current licensure, compliance with anti-discrimination laws, and allows the Department access to records for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

• Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the legislature in 2024 and 2025, and a final report by 2026; pilot program sunsets on June 30, 2026.