This amendment, which is the majority report of the committee, replaces the bill and changes the title and does the following.
1. It retains the provision of the bill that requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a long-term plan for the financial sustainability of the Maine Child Care Affordability Program but changes the date the department must submit the plan to the Legislature to no later than December 15, 2026.
2. It allows the Commissioner of Health and Human Services to accept donations or grants for the program from any source.
3. It clarifies that funds to support the program are nonlapsing.
4. It requires ongoing funding of $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2026-27 to fund the program.
5. It includes an appropriations and allocations section. FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED (See attached) COMMITTEE AMENDMENT