This bill amends existing provisions related to the child care assistance program in South Dakota, specifically targeting eligibility criteria for certain child care employees. The Department of Social Services is tasked with establishing a program to assist families with child care services and improve the quality of care. The amendments to sections 28-1-60 and 28-1-61 outline the responsibilities of the department and the secretary of social services in administering the program, including eligibility determination, service scope, licensing, and compliance monitoring.

A new section is introduced that specifies eligibility for payments from the child care assistance program. It states that applicants who are employed by licensed or registered child care facilities and work at least thirty hours per week will have their household's earned and unearned income excluded from consideration, provided their household income does not exceed three hundred percent of the federal poverty level. This change aims to support child care employees by allowing them to access assistance without the burden of income limitations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2025: 28-1-60, 28-1-61
House Health and Human Services Engrossed, 02/13/2025: 28-1-60, 28-1-61
House Engrossed, 02/19/2025: 28-1-60, 28-1-61
Enrolled, 03/05/2025: 28-1-60, 28-1-61