Bill > HB0382

This bill modifies Utah's child care subsidy program by adjusting eligibility criteria and funding mechanisms. The bill allows the state's Office of Child Care to award full child care subsidies for families with income up to 75% of the state median income, and gradually reduced subsidies for families earning between 75% and 85% of state median income. Additionally, the bill provides a special provision for child care providers' employees, allowing them to qualify for full subsidies. The bill requires the office to determine subsidy amounts based on a child's actual attendance in child care, with a minimum requirement of eight hours per month. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill introduces new reporting requirements, mandating that the office prepare an annual report for the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee and the Office of Child Care Advisory Committee. The legislation also provides for potential legislative audits of the program's financial operations and performance. As part of the bill's implementation, the state is appropriating $9 million from the General Fund for child care assistance, to be distributed over three fiscal years (FY 2026-2028), with $3 million allocated each year. The bill is designed to provide more flexible and targeted child care support for working families in Utah.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0382.html