The bill proposes the establishment of the Child Care Cred Program under section 5104.54 of the Revised Code, which aims to assist employees with child care costs by sharing expenses among employees, employers, and the Department of Children and Youth. Specifically, employees will be responsible for 40% of the costs, employers will also cover 40%, and the department will contribute 20% subject to available funds. The program's goals include attracting and retaining talent, supporting employees with child care expenses, and sustaining child care providers' businesses. Eligibility criteria for participation include income limits for families, residency requirements for employees, and licensing or certification requirements 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 providing child care assistance.