The proposed bill establishes the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program in West Virginia, aimed at supporting families by incentivizing employers to contribute to their employees' child care costs. The Department of Human Services will administer the program, which includes creating standardized contracts, processing applications, and managing funds. A new fund, the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program Fund, will be created to consist of appropriated funds, contributions, and grants, providing state matches to employers based on their contributions to eligible child care costs. The bill outlines eligibility criteria, specifies that the state match will vary based on household income, and mandates a portion of the fund be allocated to small businesses. The program is set to begin accepting contracts in 2026, with annual reporting on its efficacy.

Additionally, the bill details the responsibilities of employers, employees, and child-care centers regarding contributions and notifications related to child-care costs. Employers must notify the department about contributions, and failure to do so will require reimbursement for any unnecessary state match issued. Child-care centers also have a notification obligation, and if they fail to report nonpayment, they must reimburse the department as well. The bill outlines conditions for terminating contracts and authorizes the Department of Economic Development to collaborate with the Department of Human Services to integrate this program into economic development agreements with participating employers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-12-101, 49-12-102, 49-12-103, 49-12-104, 49-12-105, 49-12-106, 49-12-107, 49-12-108