This bill amends sections 68-1206 and 68-1724 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning the federal Child Care Subsidy program in Nebraska. A significant change is the elimination of a sunset date, which previously limited the duration of certain provisions. The bill allows the Department of Health and Human Services to provide child care assistance to families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level without the previous restrictions tied to specific dates. Additionally, it introduces a provision for transitional child care assistance for families whose income exceeds this threshold, ensuring they remain eligible for support until their income surpasses 85% of the state median income.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for child care providers participating in the federal Child Care Subsidy program, including compliance with criminal history checks. It also establishes a fixed-rate schedule for child care payments and mandates collaboration with a nonprofit organization for an independent evaluation of the income eligibility changes. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining child care assistance for families transitioning out of cash assistance, ensuring that they can continue to receive support for work-related child care expenses. The original sections 68-1206 and 68-1724 are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-1206, 68-1724