An Act to require the Department of Social Services to conduct a state-wide study on child care, to provide an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. During the 2024 interim, the Department of Social Services shall conduct a study on the provision and cost of child care in this state. The study must include:

(1) An analysis of the difference in cost of child care among:

(a) Geographic locations in this state;

(b) The age ranges of children in care;

(c) The times of year;

(d) Care delivery locations;

(e) Care delivery at different quality measures; and

(f) Licensing types;

(2) An analysis of the impact of inflation, population growth, and business growth on child care providers;

(3) An analysis of the cost of compensation and benefits for child care workers; and

(4) The development of a cost estimation model of payment for the child care assistance program.

Section 2. The Department of Social Services shall report the findings of the study and any policy recommendations or proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than October 31, 2024.

Section 3. There is hereby appropriated from the general fund the sum of $1 to the Department of Social Services, for the purpose of conducting or contracting for the completion of the study referenced in section 1 of this Act.

Section 4. The secretary of the Department of Social Services shall approve vouchers and the state auditor shall draw warrants to pay expenditures authorized by this Act.

Section 5. Any amounts appropriated in this Act not lawfully expended or obligated shall revert in accordance with the procedures prescribed in chapter 4-8.

Section 6. Whereas, this Act is necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.