This bill amends section 68-1206 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the federal child care subsidy program in Nebraska. It establishes a pilot program aimed at providing child care assistance specifically for the child care workforce, which will commence on October 1, 2025, and conclude on September 30, 2028. Eligible households must have an income at or below eighty-five percent of the state median income and include a member who is employed in the child care sector for at least twenty hours per week. The bill also outlines that these households will remain eligible for twelve continuous months without a cost-share obligation, provided they maintain their employment status.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing participation in the pilot program, including metrics such as the number of enrolled children and households, and program expenditures. The bill includes several insertions, such as the creation of the pilot program and specific eligibility criteria, while deleting certain provisions related to transitional child care assistance eligibility. The original section 68-1206 is repealed, indicating a comprehensive update to the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1206