MD HB849

Enrollment freezes in the Child Care Scholarship Program cannot apply to families receiving Temporary Cash Assistance, TANF, or Supplemental Security Income; siblings of children already enrolled; or homeless children

State Department of Education must establish a waitlist during enrollment freezes, prioritizing applicants by greatest financial need, child care workers employed at least 20 hours weekly, children under age 3, and longest time on waitlist

Department must develop a new application to identify whether applicants work at least 20 hours weekly at child care centers, family child care homes, or publicly funded prekindergarten programs

Department must review methodology for determining job training program eligibility and report findings to the General Assembly by December 15, 2026

Effective date is July 1, 2026, contingent on the passage of HB 1321