The bill amends the existing child care regulations in Michigan by establishing the tri-share child care program within the newly designated department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential. This program is a continuation of a pilot project initiated under previous legislation and aims to provide support for child care facilitators. The bill creates a tri-share child care fund within the state treasury, allowing the state treasurer to receive and manage funds for this initiative, ensuring that any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year remain in the fund rather than reverting to the general fund.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential in administering the tri-share program, including the allocation of funds for regional recruitment and statewide services. It mandates the creation of benchmarks for program partners and allows for quarterly advances to ensure timely payments to providers. The bill specifies that eligible child care facilitators must be nonprofit organizations, limited liability companies, C-corporations, S-corporations, intermediate school districts, or sole proprietors, thereby establishing clear criteria for participation in the program.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 722.111, 722.128
Senate Introduced Bill: 722.111, 722.128
As Passed by the Senate: 722.111, 722.128