Bill > HB1132

This bill modifies the child care assistance program in South Dakota to create a new eligibility pathway for child care employees. Specifically, the bill establishes that when determining eligibility for child care assistance payments, the Department of Social Services must exclude all income for households where the applicant works in a licensed or registered child care setting (such as before and after school programs, day care centers, group family day care homes, or family day care homes), works at least 30 hours per week in that setting, and has a household income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level. This change aims to provide additional financial support for child care workers by making it easier for them to qualify for child care assistance, potentially helping to address workforce challenges in the child care sector by making employment in these settings more financially viable. The bill amends existing statutes related to the child care assistance program and gives the Secretary of Social Services authority to adopt rules for implementing these new eligibility criteria.

Health and Social Services

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/25949