The "Childcare for New Hampshire Working Families Act" (SB 237-FN) proposes amendments to the state's child care scholarship program and introduces new initiatives to support the child care workforce. The bill adjusts the income eligibility for the scholarship program to 85 percent of the state median income and modifies parent cost-share requirements, making it easier for families to qualify. It also allows enrollment in higher education to count as an approved activity for the scholarship's work requirement. The bill sets provider reimbursement rates at the 75th percentile of the market rate survey or based on an alternative "true cost of care" model. Additionally, it creates a nonlapsing, continually appropriated child care workforce fund to offer recruitment and retention grants, managed by a designated entity in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services and relevant councils.

The bill also introduces a regional fingerprinting support program workforce fund to aid child care employers and staff during background checks. It amends RSA 6:12 to apply receipts to the new funds and makes appropriations for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, for the funds' administration and management, with potential federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Further appropriations are allocated to the community college system of New Hampshire for early childhood education scholarships and program support. The bill mandates an annual report on fund utilization and early childhood education program outcomes. The effective dates are set for July 1, 2023, for Section 6, and upon passage for the rest of the act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 167:83, 6:12
As Amended by the Senate: 167:83, 6:12