Bill > HB2689

This bill makes several changes to the Working Connections Child Care program, which helps working families afford quality childcare. Primarily, it adjusts income eligibility requirements, removing the phased-in higher income thresholds that were set to take effect in 2029 and 2031, and instead, starting November 1, 2024, families receiving Basic Food benefits will automatically meet the income eligibility requirements. The bill also aims to increase childcare subsidy rates, mandating that by July 1, 2026, rates reach the 85th percentile of market rates and by July 1, 2027, they reach the 75th percentile, with specific requirements for provider response rates in market surveys to ensure rate validity. Additionally, it introduces new rules for how childcare providers can claim daily subsidy payments based on the number of days a child attends, with a temporary provision for these rules expiring on July 1, 2027, and a permanent version taking effect on July 1, 2027, and also establishes that providers cannot receive a subsidy rate different from the rate in their specific region. Finally, it repeals a section related to prospective payments for childcare.