Bill > HB484

This bill creates the Workforce Investment Now (WIN) for Child Care pilot program, which aims to support child care staff members by providing them with publicly funded child care. The program will operate during fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and is administered by the Department of Children and Youth. When determining eligibility for publicly funded child care, county departments of job and family services will exclude all of a family's income if the child's caretaker parent is a child care staff member working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The bill appropriates $20 million from the General Revenue Fund for child care grants in fiscal year 2026, with any unexpended funds being reappropriated for fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the Department is required to complete a report within six months after the pilot program's conclusion, detailing the information collected and findings, which will be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly. The bill specifically defines "child care staff member" to exclude employees of approved child day camps, administrators, authorized representatives, and owners, focusing instead on front-line child care workers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb484