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Bill

HF 345

A bill for an act relating to state child care assistance family income eligibility requirements.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sean Bagniewski and 6 co-sponsors

Bill HF 345 raises income eligibility for state child care assistance, allowing more families to access support for basic and special-needs care, enhancing affordability.

Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services.
#childcare #families #income #publicassistance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 345

Summary of Bill HF 345

Purpose and Intent

Bill HF 345 aims to amend the income eligibility requirements for state child care assistance in order to provide greater access to families in need. The bill seeks to increase the income thresholds for families seeking assistance for child care, thereby allowing more families to qualify for support.

Key Provisions

  • Income Eligibility Adjustments:

    • For families with children needing basic care, the nonexempt gross monthly income eligibility will increase from 145% to 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
    • For families with children needing special-needs care, the eligibility will rise from 200% to 240% of the FPL.

  • Family Size Consideration: The eligibility criteria will be adjusted based on family size, ensuring that the assistance is tailored to the specific needs of each family.

  • Administrative Rule Changes: The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with amending its administrative rules to implement these changes, in accordance with Chapter 17A.

Who Will Be Affected

  • Families with Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be families with children requiring basic or special-needs care who currently fall just above the existing income thresholds. By raising these limits, more families will be able to access state child care assistance.

  • Child Care Providers: Increased access to assistance may lead to higher enrollment in child care programs, benefiting providers as well.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Health and Human Services committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

Bill HF 345 represents a significant step towards improving access to child care assistance for families in need. By raising the income eligibility thresholds, the bill aims to support a larger number of families, thereby enhancing child care accessibility and affordability. The proposed changes reflect an effort to align state assistance programs with the current economic realities faced by many families.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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