H.B. 547 Summary

• Establishes a two-year infant and toddler child care worker subsidy pilot program allowing licensed centers to apply for subsidies to raise child care worker pay to at least $16.00 per hour.

• Requires applicants to submit documentation including worker names, ages of children served, proof of worker eligibility (U.S. citizenship/permanent residency, current licensure, provision of infant/toddler care), and compliance with federal and state laws.

• Excludes from subsidy eligibility: entities affiliated with K-12 schools or post-secondary institutions, the Department of Education, public charter schools, and federally funded Early Head Start programs.

• Requires the Department of Human Services to submit interim reports to the legislature before the 2024 and 2025 regular sessions and a final report before the 2026 regular session on program impacts and implementation.

• Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025; pilot program sunsets July 1, 2025; effective date is July 1, 2050.