Bill > HB1566

This bill establishes a contingent appropriation of $15 million to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide recruitment and benefit grants to child care employers. The appropriation is specifically designed as a backup funding mechanism if federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) reserve funds cannot be used for this purpose. The bill requires DHHS to seek formal approval from the federal government to use TANF funds for these grants, with an initial request deadline of August 1, 2025. If by July 1, 2026, the federal government either fails to make a determination or denies the use of TANF funds, the state will automatically appropriate $15 million from the general fund for the same purpose. The funds are designated as nonlapsing, meaning they will remain available even if not fully spent in the fiscal year. The appropriation is intended to support recruitment and retention bonuses and benefit grants specifically for New Hampshire child care employers, addressing potential workforce challenges in the child care sector. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and is based on the department's anticipation that the federal government will likely not approve the original TANF fund usage.