This bill amends section 68-1206 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the state's participation in the federal Child Care Subsidy program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to file a state plan amendment to pay child care providers based on a child's enrollment or authorized hours rather than attendance. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for families seeking child care assistance, including income thresholds and transitional assistance provisions, while ensuring that child care providers comply with criminal history checks.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific provisions for licensed child care programs that employ members of eligible households, allowing for reasonable accommodations to ensure that these members are not primary caregivers. It also establishes a fixed-rate schedule for child care reimbursement, which may vary based on the type of care provided and the quality rating of the program. The original section 68-1206 is repealed, indicating a comprehensive update to the existing law governing child care assistance in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1206