Bill > HB238

This bill establishes a comprehensive Child Care Provider Subsidy and Bonus Program administered by the Department of Human Services to address workforce challenges in early child care. The program aims to 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 by offering subsidies and bonuses to retain and support child care workers. Eligible applicants must submit detailed applications proving their compliance with federal and state laws, provide information about their workers and child care services, and agree to department monitoring. The program specifically targets licensed and registered child care providers, excluding educational institutions like schools, charter schools, and universities. Providers can apply for subsidies to increase child care worker pay to a specified hourly rate or receive annual bonuses, with strict requirements for application, reporting, and accountability. The bill includes appropriations for funding the program over fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and requires the department to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's implementation, impacts, and potential legislative recommendations. The underlying motivation is to address the significant shortage of qualified child care professionals and support working families by improving compensation and retention in the early child care workforce.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=238&year=2025