This bill amends existing provisions in South Dakota law regarding the child care assistance program, 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 bill outlines the responsibilities of the secretary of social services in adopting rules for the administration of the program, including eligibility determination, service scope, licensing, and compliance monitoring.

A significant addition to the law is the establishment of a new section that specifies eligibility for payments from the child care assistance program. Under this provision, applicants who are employed by licensed or registered child care facilities and work at least thirty hours per week may 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 making it easier for them to access assistance while maintaining their employment.

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