BILL NUMBER: S1926
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to requiring social
services districts to maintain a waiting list of certain families apply-
ing for child care assistance
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to create mandatory waiting lists for subsi-
dized child day care and establish reporting of income levels for fami-
lies applying for childcare subsidies.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill amends the social services law to require all local districts
to keep waiting lists of eligible applicants for child day care subsi-
dies and outlines specific reporting requirements to the governor and
legislature. The bill also requires all local districts to keep data on
the income levels of families applying for childcare subsidies, includ-
ing those that were denied and those that were accepted. The bill also
establishes annual reports to the governor and legislature.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Many low-income families rely on subsidized childcare to maintain
employment and ensure financial security. The legislature and the Gover-
nor work very hard every year to allocate adequate funding for childcare
assistance in each year's budget. To advance this goal, an accurate
estimate of the outstanding need in local districts for subsidized
childcare is needed. By establishing mandatory waiting lists, the number
of families, the length of time the family must wait for childcare
assistance, and the income level of families receiving childcare assist-
ance can be determined. This enables lawmakers to make informed deci-
sions regarding who subsidies are reaching and whether current income
eligibility requirements are appropriate.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.7724-B - Passed Senate
2021-2022: S.6875 - Passed Senate
2017-2018: S.6286 - Third Reading Cal.
2013-2014: S.1424-A - Senate Social Services
2011-2012: S.2354-A - Senate Rules
 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect October 1, 2025. Effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
to be made and completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S1926: 410-z social services law