Substitute Bill No. 286 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending existing statutes related to early childhood care and education, with a focus on the child care subsidy program. The bill seeks to repeal and replace subsections (a) to (c) of section 17b-749 to expand eligibility for the subsidy program to include employees of early childhood care and education programs and at-risk populations such as children in foster care, adopted children, and homeless children and youths. It also allows the Commissioner of Early Childhood to adjust income standards for applicants up to the federal maximum and waive them for adoptive families and early childhood program employees. The bill introduces a priority intake system, sets health and safety standards, and mandates public notice of program changes, which will not take effect until 30 days after issuance. Additionally, it amends subsection (l) of section 19a-87b to extend the Commissioner's authority to issue licenses for family child care homes indefinitely, beyond the previous expiration date of June 30, 2026.

The bill also includes provisions for the issuance of child care service licenses throughout the state, not just in Waterbury, to persons or groups partnering with various entities to provide child care services in approved non-private home spaces. The commissioner is limited to issuing no more than twenty licenses under this subsection and may approve multiple facilities within a city or town. The application process for these licenses requires compliance with fire safety, building codes, local zoning, and health ordinances, and the commissioner can impose additional conditions or waive non-applicable requirements. The term of these licenses is set for four years, with the commissioner having the authority to suspend or revoke them. The bill, which has received a joint favorable substitution from the Committee on Appropriations, is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and will result in amendments to sections 17b-749(a) to (c) and 19a-87b(l) of the state's statutes.