Bill > S1374

This bill establishes the Idaho Child Care Program, a new initiative aimed at improving child care quality and assisting low-income families in Idaho who are working or pursuing education and training. The program will be administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and will utilize federal and state funds. To qualify for assistance, parents must be employed, attending an accredited education or training program (with certain restrictions on online and postbaccalaureate classes), or receiving child welfare preventative services. Eligibility for families is based on income, with initial application limits set at 155% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), and during the eligibility period, income cannot exceed 85% of the State Median Income (SMI). Families whose income slightly exceeds the initial limit may be eligible for a graduated phase-out of assistance for up to 12 months. The department can create a waiting list, prioritizing certain vulnerable families, and may adjust eligibility criteria within statutory limits and with legislative approval. The bill outlines requirements for child care providers, including agreements, record-keeping, and facility access for monitoring, and prohibits providers from paying for children to attend their facilities or waiving family copayments. It also establishes provisions for program integrity, including the suspension of payments and investigations into suspected fraud, with defined consequences for intentional program violations, such as temporary or permanent ineligibility. A fraud detection and remediation system will be implemented by July 1, 2027, to help prevent and address fraud, waste, and abuse, utilizing various data sources and technology platforms. The department will also select a vendor to help create new licensed child care programs. The bill clarifies that it does not create an entitlement to assistance and grants the Attorney General concurrent authority with county prosecutors to handle criminal violations related to the program. Finally, the department must submit an updated state plan by October 1, 2026, and any future amendments that expand benefits or increase state costs will require legislative approval. The bill also amends existing law regarding administrative rules for the department and declares an emergency to allow for immediate implementation.

Health and Social Services, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1374/