Bill > HB2

This bill establishes the Child Care Cred Program within the Department of Children and Youth, designed to help share child care costs among employees, employers, and the state government. Under this program, employees would be responsible for 40% of child care costs, employers for 40%, and the state for 20%, with the goals of helping employers attract and retain talent, assisting employees with child care expenses, and supporting child care providers. To participate, employees must have a family income not exceeding 400% of the federal poverty line, reside in Ohio, and be selected by their employer. Employers must be located in Ohio and select employees for the program, while child care providers must be licensed or certified. The department will review applications, help employees select child care providers, coordinate cost-sharing, and make payments to providers. The program includes provisions for potential employer contribution to employee costs and requires participants to sign a memorandum of understanding. Participants found to have committed fraud will be permanently ineligible, and the program is initially funded with $10 million from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2026. The bill also provides for administrative rules and appropriation management by the Director of Budget and Management.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb2