NC H1117

Appropriates $180,000,000 in recurring General Fund dollars to the Division of Child Development and Early Education for fiscal year 2022-2023 to expand the child care subsidy program.

Allocates $58,000,000 of the appropriated funds specifically to cover copays for families eligible for subsidized child care.

Establishes income eligibility thresholds based on federal poverty level: 200% for children ages 0-5, 133% for children ages 6-12, and 200% for children with special needs regardless of age.

Sets family copay requirements at 10% of gross annual income, with reduced rates for blended care (83% of full-time copay) and part-time care (75% of full-time copay).

Appropriates $250,000 in nonrecurring funds for a feasibility study on expanding eligibility to 300% of federal poverty level, with results due to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by December 1, 2023.