The bill proposes the establishment of the Child Care Cred Program under section 5104.54 of the Revised Code, which aims to share the costs of child care among participating employees, their employers, and the Department of Children and Youth. The cost distribution is set at 40% for employees, 40% for employers, and 20% for the department, contingent on available funds. The program's goals include helping employers attract and retain talent, assisting employees with child care expenses, and supporting child care providers. Eligibility criteria for participation include income limits for employees, location requirements for employers, and licensing or certification standards for child care providers.
Additionally, the bill outlines the application process for employees and employers, the responsibilities of the department in administering the program, and the consequences of fraud or misrepresentation. The department is authorized to adopt necessary rules for implementation, and a total appropriation of $10 million from the General Revenue Fund is designated for the Child Care Cred Program for fiscal year 2026. This funding is intended to support the program's operations and ensure its effectiveness in addressing child care costs for working families in Ohio.