The bill introduces the "RHODE ISLAND CHILDCARE ESSENTIAL ACT" to Title 40 of the General Laws, focusing on expanding and improving childcare services in the state. It emphasizes the importance of affordable, high-quality childcare for economic productivity, parental economic security, and children's development. The bill mandates that the Department of Human Services provide childcare to eligible participants, including low-income families with incomes at or below 85% of the state median income, and sets a maximum liquid resource limit for eligibility at one million dollars. It establishes a sliding-fee scale for childcare costs, not exceeding 7% of family income, and defines "appropriate childcare." The bill also includes provisions for maintaining eligibility for families whose income exceeds the initial threshold but remains below 100% of the state median income, and it outlines new reimbursement rates for childcare providers based on market surveys and quality ratings.

Significant deletions from the current law include the removal of requirements for parents to cooperate with child support enforcement as a condition for receiving childcare assistance, definitions of "appropriate child care," and the sliding-fee scale for families with incomes between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill also removes the provision allowing families exceeding the 200% income threshold to continue receiving assistance until reaching 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Furthermore, it repeals Section 40-6.2-1.1 of the General Laws, eliminating the previous tiered reimbursement system based on the 2002 and 2004 weekly market rates and the quality rating system. The bill aims to establish new reimbursement rates that meet or exceed the federal equal access benchmark and introduces a differential bonus rate for infants under 18 months. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
2847: 40-5.2-20, 40-6.2-1.1