The bill establishes two new programs aimed at supporting child care costs for employees in Michigan: the Tri-Share child care program and the CareShare arrangement. The Tri-Share program allows employers to participate by covering at least one-third of their employees' child care costs, with the option to contribute more. A dedicated Tri-Share child care fund is created to manage the financial aspects of this program, which will be administered by the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. The fund will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and will be used to administer the program and fund child care facilitator hubs.

The CareShare arrangement is a voluntary cost-sharing program where employers contribute at least one-third of qualified child care expenses, while employees cover the remaining costs. Employers on a waitlist for the Tri-Share program can opt into the CareShare arrangement without state subsidies. The bill includes provisions to ensure that participation in the CareShare arrangement is uniform and non-discriminatory, and it prohibits retaliation against employees who wish to participate. Additionally, the Department is required to report annually on the program's participation and costs, while ensuring that state subsidy obligations are not expanded beyond those provided under the Tri-Share program.

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