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Bill > A05413


NY A05413

NY A05413
Enacts the "help parents find and afford child care act"; provides for child care subsidies to be administered under the child care assistance program; establishes a tri-share child care program; establishes an at-home infant care program; makes related provisions.


summary

Introduced
02/13/2025
In Committee
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to enacting the "help parents find and afford child care act"

AI Summary

This bill enacts the "Help Parents Find and Afford Child Care Act," which introduces several comprehensive child care support initiatives. The legislation establishes a child care assistance program with a phased implementation plan to gradually expand eligibility to families earning up to 250% of the state's median family income, with a goal of limiting family co-payments to no more than 7% of income by 2030. The bill creates a tri-share child care program that creates a partnership between employers, employees, and the state to share child care costs, helping working families afford high-quality child care while supporting child care providers. Additionally, the bill introduces an at-home infant care program that provides financial assistance to parents who stay home to care for infants under two years old, with benefits up to $3,600 annually and provisions to ensure these payments do not count against other assistance program eligibility. The legislation also includes provisions to support military families by expanding child care options and creating a streamlined licensure process for military spouses. To ensure accountability, the bill requires annual reporting to the legislature on program implementation and utilization, and mandates that the Office of Children and Family Services develop mechanisms for easier program access, such as automatic enrollment for families already receiving certain public assistance benefits.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

referred to children and families (on 02/13/2025)

bill text


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