HI SB312

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish and administer a two-year infant and toddler child care worker subsidy pilot program to retain the existing early child care workforce in licensed centers.

Makes the program available to all lead caregivers, caregivers, and child care aides working in licensed infant and toddler centers, but excludes workers employed by the Department of Education, state public charter school commission, Early Head Start providers, or private educational institutions.

Directs the department to establish best practices to establish a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour for all pilot program participants.

Requires the Department of Human Services to submit annual reports to the legislature by twenty days prior to the regular sessions of 2024, 2025, and 2026, and a final report by twenty days prior to the 2027 regular session.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for the pilot program, with the specific dollar amount left blank in the bill.