The Kansas Tri-Share Child Care Act establishes a program designed to make child care more affordable by sharing costs among employers, employees, and the state. Under this act, the Kansas Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program will be administered by the director of the Kansas Office of Early Childhood. Eligible employers will contribute one-third of the child care costs for their employees' eligible children, with the state covering another third, while employees will pay the remaining third. The act also defines key terms related to eligibility and outlines the director's responsibilities, including determining eligibility and ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Additionally, the act amends K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 75-7703, enhancing the director's responsibilities in early childhood services and establishing the Kansas Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program Fund for reimbursements to eligible child care providers. It introduces a tax credit for participating employers, allowing them to claim 50% of their verified payments to child care providers, subject to an annual cap. The director is required to submit annual reports to the legislature and conduct a program evaluation by the end of 2029. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 75-7703, indicating a restructuring of the legal framework governing early childhood services in Kansas, aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring the director has the authority to implement necessary changes. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 75-7703