The bill amends sections 5104.34 and 5104.38 of the Revised Code to update the eligibility criteria for publicly funded child care in Ohio. Key changes include a revision of the income eligibility limits, which will now allow families with incomes up to two hundred percent of the federal poverty line for initial eligibility, and three hundred fifty-five percent for continued eligibility. Additionally, the bill specifies that the eligibility determination process must be completed within thirty calendar days of receiving a completed application, and it allows county departments to contract with child care providers for eligibility determinations. The bill also introduces a provision for transitional child care for families that have recently exited the Ohio Works First program, extending eligibility based on specific income criteria.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for the director of children and youth to adopt rules governing the financial and administrative requirements for publicly funded child care. This includes setting a schedule of fees based on income and family size, as well as procedures for dealing with fraud and abuse in the system. The bill emphasizes the importance of prioritizing families with lower incomes and ensures that protective and homeless child care services are available without regard to the caretaker parent's income. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the eligibility process and expand access to child care services for families in need.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5104.34, 5104.38