Bill > SB1921

This bill directs the Tennessee Department of Human Services to annually transfer a portion of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) "rainy-day fund," which is a reserve fund for TANF, to the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This transfer is intended to cover the costs of families participating in the state's "Smart Steps program," which is the state's child care assistance program, if those families meet specific eligibility criteria and there are insufficient CCDF funds available. The bill also specifies that these transferred funds cannot be used to replace existing CCDF funding and sets a limit on the amount that can be transferred, not exceeding 30% or any other federally permitted amount. Furthermore, it mandates that the eligibility limits, fee schedules, and co-pay policies for the Smart Steps program must be at least as favorable as those in place on September 30, 2025. Finally, the department is required to annually publish a report on its website detailing the balances and expenditures of both the TANF program and the CCDF, including specific categories of spending and any available balances.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1921&ga=114