The bill, S.B. No. 972, amends Section 2308.3151 of the Government Code to establish new guidelines for reimbursement rates for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that allows each board to reimburse providers at the maximum rate corresponding to their Texas Rising Star Program rating level, irrespective of the provider's published rate. However, this higher reimbursement can only be implemented if it does not negatively impact the commission's target performance measure regarding the average number of children served daily in subsidized child care within the board's workforce development area.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that child-care providers are adequately compensated while maintaining the performance standards necessary for the program's success. This legislative change aims to enhance the quality of child care services by incentivizing providers to achieve higher ratings in the Texas Rising Star Program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2308.3151 (Government Code 2308)