This bill mandates the Department of Social Services to amend existing administrative rules to allow graduate students to qualify for child care assistance. The amendments must be filed by September 30, 2025, and include changes to the requirements for recipients regarding employment and education. Specifically, the bill stipulates that recipients must be employed for a minimum of eighty hours per month and receive a salary equivalent to the federal minimum wage. Additionally, if recipients are attending school, they must complete either twelve semester credit hours or six semester credit hours if pursuing a degree beyond a bachelor's degree. The bill also clarifies that the hours spent in various educational activities will count towards meeting the school hour requirement.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the list of individuals ineligible for child care assistance. It removes the previous restriction that disqualified individuals enrolled in educational programs beyond a bachelor's degree, thereby allowing graduate students to access assistance. The bill also retains provisions that exclude individuals performing volunteer services or caring for their own children from receiving assistance. Overall, these changes aim to enhance support for graduate students who require child care while pursuing their education.