The bill establishes a new early childhood and family services (ECFS) system in Iowa, aimed at enhancing family functioning, promoting child development, and preventing child abuse and neglect. It introduces a new Code chapter 234A, which outlines the structure and operational functions of the ECFS system, including the creation of ECFS districts and advisory councils. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with implementing this system, which will focus on evidence-based primary prevention and early intervention strategies. The bill also creates an ECFS Fund to support the system's implementation and administration, ensuring that appropriated funds remain available for designated purposes. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of the HOPES-HFI program to support families during critical early years and includes provisions for data collection and analysis to monitor the system's effectiveness.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing early childhood Iowa initiative and the child abuse prevention program, redirecting their funding to the newly established ECFS Fund. It includes a transition period until June 30, 2027, during which HHS will establish the new system and ensure continuity of care for current service recipients. The bill also modifies eligibility criteria for the state child care assistance program, allowing children of certain child care facility employees to qualify. It provides HHS with emergency rulemaking authority to facilitate the transition and directs the Code editor to make necessary changes to existing laws to align with the new ECFS system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8E.204, 234A.1, 232.188, 249A.26, 256I.4, 144.13A, 8.33, 422.13, 217.1B, 216A.107, 237A.26, 237A.30, 256I.5, 256A.3, 256C.3, 256C.4, 257.6