summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prekindergarten and child care. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) to apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services to amend the state plan for the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program to increase the maximum initial eligibility limit for purposes of initial eligibility to 150% of the federal poverty level. Requires the office to fully fund: (1) each eligible applicant for a CCDF voucher payment; and (2) eligible CCDF provider reimbursement rates at a specified rate. Provides that the office may not place an eligible CCDF applicant on a waiting list. Provides that an eligible child for the prekindergarten program is an individual who, among other conditions, is a member of a household with an annual income that does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level (instead of 135% for individuals enrolled on or after May 1, 2025, under current law). Removes the limitation on state money that may be used for a prekindergarten voucher during a state fiscal year. Requires the office of family and social services to establish reimbursement rates for prekindergarten providers that are equal to or greater than the rates established that were in effect on January 1, 2025. Makes an appropriation to the prekindergarten program fund.
AI Summary
This bill aims to expand access to prekindergarten and child care programs in Indiana by making several key changes. The bill requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply to the federal government to increase the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program's initial eligibility limit to 150% of the federal poverty level. Beginning April 1, 2026, the state must fully fund all eligible CCDF voucher applicants and provide provider reimbursement rates at or above the rates established on January 1, 2025, and cannot place eligible applicants on a waiting list. For the prekindergarten program, the bill raises the household income eligibility threshold to 150% of the federal poverty level for all participants, removes previous limitations on state funding for prekindergarten vouchers, and establishes a minimum of 7,500 available vouchers per state fiscal year. The bill also expands eligibility criteria for parents, allowing those who are actively seeking employment to qualify, and requires the state to maintain prekindergarten provider reimbursement rates at or above the January 1, 2025 levels. Additionally, the bill includes continuous appropriations for the prekindergarten program fund for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, with an emergency declaration to ensure immediate implementation.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Appropriations (on 12/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/84/details |
| Fiscal Note #2: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0084/fiscal-notes/SB0084.01.INTR.FN002.pdf |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0084/SB0084.01.INTR.pdf |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0084/fiscal-notes/SB0084.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
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