PA HB506

Establishes the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program within the Department of Human Services to provide annual lump-sum bonuses to child care workers who directly supervise children

Provides retention bonuses of up to $1,000 per qualified staff member, with remaining funds allocated for recruitment bonuses of up to $1,000 per newly hired staff member

Limits eligibility to department-certified child care providers with subsidy agreements who are not under fraud investigation, subject to liens, or operating under provisional licenses

Requires providers to apply within 45 days of application posting, with department approval or denial within 45 days; funds must be spent within the fiscal year and cannot supplant existing wages or benefits

Mandates annual reporting to legislative appropriations committees by September 30 each year, beginning in 2026, detailing payment numbers, provider locations, and applications received