Bill > HB0992

This bill establishes two new programs to support child care workers in Tennessee: the Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee program and a child care payment assistance program. Under the WAGE$ program, child care workers who work at least 10 hours per week with children ages 0-5, have been at the same licensed child care program for at least six months, and earn $20 per hour or less can receive supplemental longevity payments. The payment assistance program allows early childhood educators who are parents to receive child care assistance for their own children, with their entire income being disregarded when determining eligibility. The bill requires the commissioner of human services to implement these programs by January 1, 2026, with annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. Additionally, the bill provides that child care agencies cannot place children of participating early childhood educators on a wait list behind other children, except for certain priority cases. The programs will be supported by the child care improvement fund, and the commissioner is authorized to create rules for implementing these initiatives. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the goal of improving workforce retention and supporting early childhood educators in Tennessee.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0992&ga=114