Bill > HB1849

This bill creates the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program, administered by the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, which will be in effect until November 1, 2028. The program establishes special provisions for employees of licensed child care facilities regarding the Child Care Subsidy Program administered by the Department of Human Services. Specifically, the bill mandates that employees of licensed child care facilities will have their household income exempted when determining eligibility for child care subsidies. Additionally, when an employee leaves a licensed child care facility, the provider must notify the Department of Human Services within 30 days. The bill requires that all other existing eligibility conditions for the Child Care Subsidy Program remain in place, and the Department of Human Services must waive copayments for qualifying child care facility employees. The provisions do not apply to employees who would already be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy Program without the income exemption. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, and is designed to help support and retain workers in the child care industry by providing financial assistance and simplified subsidy access.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1849&Session=2600