Bill > H651

This bill reduces parent copayments for subsidized child care by lowering the percentage of gross family income used to calculate fees from 10% to 7%. Currently, families receiving child care subsidies are required to pay a portion of their child care costs based on their income. The bill also specifies that when care is received at a blended rate, the copayment will be 83% of the full-time copayment, and part-time care copayments will be 75% of the full-time copayment. To support this reduction in parent fees, the bill appropriates $25 million in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Child Development and Early Education for each year of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. These changes are designed to make child care more affordable for families by reducing their out-of-pocket expenses. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to implement the new copayment structure.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H651