SB 206 - This act modifies an expired law relating to the "Hand-Up" pilot program, which was designed to ensure that certain participating recipients continued to receive child care subsidy benefits while paying a premium when their income surpassed the eligibility level for full benefits to continue. This act requires the Children's Division, subject to appropriations and by July 1, 2022, to implement a new pilot program in Jackson County, Clay County, and Greene County. The program shall be designed so that applicants may receive transitional child care benefits without first being eligible for full child care benefits, as long as the applicant's income falls within the income limits established through annual appropriations. The Division shall track the number of recipients in the program and the effectiveness of the program in encouraging recipients to secure employment with incomes greater than the maximum for full child care benefits. The report shall be issued to the General Assembly by September 1, 2023, and each September thereafter.

This act repeals provisions relating to the establishment and utilization of a "Hand-Up Premium Fund" in the State Treasury for premiums collected under the previous pilot program.

The provisions of this act will expire August 28, 2024, unless reauthorized.

This act is identical to SB 584 (2020), substantially similar to HCS/HB 1311 (2018), and similar to SB 965 (2018).

SARAH HASKINS

Statutes affected:
Introduced (0395S.01): 208.053


Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 206
Sponsor: Arthur
Hearing Date: 2/3/2021


COMMITTEE: Seniors, Families, Veterans & Military Affairs

CHAIRMAN: White

DATE REFERRED: 1/28/2021 DATE HEARING REQUESTED: 2/1/2021



STAFF:
Sarah Haskins
Mike Kelley
Heidi Kolkmeyer
Katie O'Brien
Gina Richardson


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:



WITNESSES FOR:
Matt Morrow - Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
John Jenks - The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Waddell - Empower Missouri
Sarah Hackman - Missouri Community Action Network
Mallory Rusch - Empower Missouri
Shannon Cooper - The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Craig Stevenson - Kids Win Missouri
Jessica Petrie - National Association of Social Workers - Missouri Chapter


WITNESSES AGAINST:
Arnie C. AC "Honest-Abe" DIENOFF - State Public Advocate Unfair Law for Part of Our State