This bill aims to amend the New Hampshire child care scholarship program by increasing eligibility for families whose gross monthly income is less than or equal to 95 percent of the state median income, contingent upon available funding. To support this expansion, the bill reallocates certain tax revenues, specifically from tobacco products, liquor sales, and video lottery terminals, directing a portion of these funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for administering and expanding the scholarship program.

Key changes include the insertion of new legal language that establishes the income eligibility criteria for the child care scholarship program and specifies the allocation of funds from various revenue sources. For instance, 2 percent of tobacco tax revenue, 2 percent of liquor commission revenue, and 2 percent of video lottery terminal revenue will be directed to the Department of Health and Human Services for this purpose. Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the distribution of these revenues, ensuring that a portion is dedicated to supporting the expanded eligibility for the child care scholarship program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 167:83, 78:24, 176:16, 178:26, 287-J:6
SB645 text: 167:83, 78:24, 176:16, 178:26, 287-J:6