An Act to Improve Affordability, Stability and Access in the Maine Child Care Affordability Program
Sponsored By: Henry L. Ingwersen (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Child care copays capped for families
Families in the Maine child care subsidy program do not pay more than 7% of income if they earn up to 85% of the state median for their family size. The department can cut or waive copays for families at or below 30% of the state median, for children in foster or kinship care, families experiencing homelessness, and families with a child with a disability. The department posts sliding fee charts, estimated copays by income and family size, and waiver policies on a public website and updates them when amounts change.
Steadier subsidy payments for providers
The department pays child care providers using common private‑pay practices, preferring enrollment‑based payments over attendance‑based payments. It reviews practices like paying in advance and separating provider closures for holidays or bad weather from child absences and adopts rules to put these into place. When federal rules allow, the department can reimburse at the program’s market rate even if that is higher than a provider’s private‑pay rate. These changes help stabilize provider income and support participation in the subsidy program.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Anne Graham
Democratic • House
Cameron D. Reny
Democratic • Senate
Matthea E. L. Daughtry
Democratic • Senate
Timothy E. Nangle
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 587
3/23/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
3/17/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/12/2026HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-520).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/10/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-520)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
3/5/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-520) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
3/3/2026SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/17/2025HouseCommittee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/17/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-520), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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