The bill amends sections 5104.30 and 5104.34 of the Revised Code and enacts section 5104.342 to expand publicly funded child care benefits to include certain child care staff members. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that allows child care staff members who work a minimum of twenty hours per week to have their family's income excluded from eligibility determinations for publicly funded child care. This change aims to support child care workers by ensuring they can access child care benefits without their income being a barrier, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund these benefits for child care staff members. It mandates the Director of Children and Youth to certify the necessary amount for these benefits and outlines the process for managing the appropriated funds. The existing sections 5104.30 and 5104.34 are repealed, streamlining the legal framework governing publicly funded child care in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5104.30, 5104.34