Bill > HB238

This bill establishes a Child Care Provider Subsidy and Bonus Program administered by the Department of Human Services to support and retain early child care workers in Hawaii. The program will provide financial support to licensed infant and toddler child care centers, group child care centers, group child care homes, and registered family child care homes through subsidies and bonuses. Centers can apply for subsidies to increase child care worker pay to a specified hourly rate, while family child care homes can receive annual bonuses. Applicants must provide detailed information including worker names, proposed subsidy amounts, proof of employment, and compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The program includes strict monitoring requirements, with the department required to review applications, enter into contracts with recipients, and conduct annual evaluations. Entities such as schools, public charter schools, and universities are ineligible for the program. The department must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's development, implementation, and impacts. The bill appropriates funds for the program and creates a position to oversee its implementation, with the goal of addressing the shortage of qualified child care professionals in Hawaii and supporting working families by improving child care workforce compensation and retention.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=238&year=2026