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Bill

A 1667

Prohibits DHS from deeming certain teachers and school employees ineligible for child care subsidies due to number of hours worked when school is not in session for students.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sean Kean and 2 co-sponsors

Bill prevents DHS from denying child care subsidies to teachers and school staff due to reduced work hours during school closures, protecting benefits during predictable seasonal gaps.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1667

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1667 prohibits the Department of Human Services (DHS) from disqualifying teachers and school employees from receiving child care subsidies based on reduced work hours during periods when schools are closed (such as summers, holidays, or breaks). Currently, DHS may deem these workers ineligible when their hours fall below certain thresholds during non-school periods, despite their full-time status during the academic year.

Why is this important

Teachers and school employees often experience income fluctuations between school sessions, which can affect their eligibility for critical child care subsidies that enable them to work. This bill addresses a practical gap where employees with stable full-time positions lose benefits during predictable seasonal closures, potentially forcing them to leave the workforce or reduce hours when they need support most. The change could improve workforce stability in education and help educators afford care for their own children.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to DHS: Expanded subsidy eligibility may increase state spending on child care assistance, requiring budget allocation or reallocation
  • Definition and scope: Ambiguity about which school employees qualify (teachers, aides, administrators, support staff) and whether the rule applies to all seasonal closures or specific periods
  • Fairness arguments: Questions about whether similar protections should extend to other seasonally-employed workers outside education, or whether this creates an inequitable advantage for one profession

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

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