This bill establishes a program aimed at assisting families with the costs of child care in Minnesota by amending existing statutes and introducing new provisions. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 142A.44, subdivision 2, to include a new category of families eligible for the Great Start Scholarships program, specifically those with at least one child receiving a Great Start Affordability Scholarship. The bill also proposes the creation of a new chapter, 142D, which outlines the Great Start Affordability Scholarships program. This program is designed to ensure that no Minnesota family pays more than seven percent of their annual income for early care and learning services.

The new provisions detail eligibility criteria for families and children, including income limits and requirements for developmental screenings. The bill mandates that the commissioner of children, youth, and families establish a system for scholarship payments to eligible programs, ensuring that funds are used to supplement rather than supplant federal funding. Additionally, it creates a Great Start Affordability Scholarship account to manage the funds allocated for this purpose, with specific guidelines for administration and notification to families about their eligibility for scholarships.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 142A.44