Bill > HF411

This bill addresses child care assistance (CCA) program copayments for unhoused families by first defining "unhoused" in comprehensive terms, which includes people living in temporary or non-standard housing situations such as staying with others due to economic hardship, living in motels, emergency shelters, abandoned buildings, cars, public spaces, or other non-traditional sleeping accommodations. The bill specifically amends existing state code to create a new exemption for families determined to be unhoused, relieving them of the requirement to pay copayments for child care assistance program participation. Under this legislation, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will identify unhoused families and grant them a copayment exemption that continues for six months after the family is no longer considered unhoused. This provision aims to reduce financial barriers to child care for families experiencing housing instability, potentially helping parents maintain employment and providing stability for children during challenging living circumstances.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF411