The proposed bill seeks to amend section 46-803 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically updating the provisions related to child care services. Under current law, the department has the authority to waive work requirements for individuals receiving child care assistance. The bill modifies this by specifying that the waiver can be granted for individuals who are enrolled at least half-time in accredited educational institutions, remedial education activities, or employment training programs aimed at obtaining vocational, technical, or trade certifications, as well as associate or bachelor's degrees.
Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for individuals seeking the waiver. They must confirm their intent to pursue education or training that aligns with employment goals, which should lead to jobs with sufficient starting wages to eliminate the need for public assistance. The department is tasked with reviewing the education or training programs to ensure they are relevant to the individual's employment goals, and recipients must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their educational or training activities.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 46-803