Bill > HB2939

This bill establishes multiple initiatives to support child care for working families in Arizona. The legislation creates an out-of-school time grant program within the Department of Economic Security to expand child care options for children aged 5-12, with goals of increasing access to affordable child care, helping employers attract and retain workers, and supporting children during non-school hours. The bill introduces tax credits for both small businesses and other employers who invest in child care facilities or child care resource and referral services, allowing businesses to claim credits up to $100,000 for qualified child care expenditures. Additionally, the bill establishes an out-of-school time grant program fund with $3 million appropriated annually from fiscal year 2025-2026 through 2029-2030. The grant program will provide funds to eligible grantees like nonprofit organizations, school districts, and child care providers to create and maintain child care slots. Both the tax credits and the grant program have sunset provisions, expiring on June 30, 2030, and the bill requires annual reporting on the program's impacts, including the number of children served, new child care slots created, and employee retention rates. The legislation aims to address child care challenges by providing financial incentives and direct support for working families and employers.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83426