The bill amends the eligibility requirements for state child care assistance in Iowa, specifically addressing the income thresholds based on family size. It mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services revise its administrative rules to set the income eligibility for families seeking assistance for children needing basic care at a maximum of 185 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). For families with children requiring special-needs care, the income eligibility is set at 240 percent of the FPL.

This legislation updates the current law, which allows for income eligibility of 200 percent of the FPL for special-needs care and does not specify the percentage for basic care. The changes aim to expand access to child care assistance for families with lower incomes, thereby supporting those in need of basic and special-needs child care services.