The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code concerning the publicly funded child care program, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing roles and responsibilities. Key updates include definitions for "Fraud against the publicly funded child care program" and "Misuse of public funds," aimed at enhancing accountability within the program. The bill also establishes eligibility criteria for publicly funded child care, emphasizing support for families with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty line and accommodating the needs of migrant workers. Additionally, it introduces provisions for calculating payments based on attendance rather than enrollment, with measures to prevent fraud and ensure compliance among providers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes an early childhood education grant program to support early learning initiatives that meet specific criteria, such as being rated through the "step up to quality" program. It outlines eligibility for grants, which include children from low-income families or those with special needs, and specifies the allocation of funds for program support. The bill also mandates timely eligibility determinations and allows for exemptions to the rule limiting caretaker parents to one provider per child per week under certain circumstances. Overall, these amendments aim to improve the structure, operation, and oversight of publicly funded child care services in the state.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5104.042, 5104.30, 5104.32, 5104.34, 423.10, 423.105, H.B, 109.44
As Reported By House Committee: 5104.01, 5104.30, 5104.32, 5104.34, 5104.38, 5104.53
As Passed By House: 5104.01, 5104.30, 5104.32, 5104.34, 5104.38, 5104.53