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MaineLD 1728132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Improve Affordability, Stability and Access in the Maine Child Care Affordability Program

Sponsored By: Henry L. Ingwersen (Democratic)

Became Law

CHILDREN AND FAMILIESCHILDREN AND FAMILIES - CHILD CARE

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Copays capped at 7% for subsidy families

Families getting Maine child care subsidies pay less. If your income is at or below 85% of the state median for your family size, your copay cannot be more than 7% of your household income. The Department can reduce or waive copays for families with income up to 30% of the median, for foster or kinship care, for families experiencing homelessness, and for families with a child with a disability. The Department posts the sliding fee scales, estimated copays by income and family size, and waiver policies on its website and keeps them updated.

More stable payments for child care providers

Child care providers who accept subsidies get paid using common private‑pay practices, when federal law allows. The Department favors enrollment‑based and prospective payments, not just attendance‑based ones, and will set rules to support provider stability. It will also review closure and absence allowances and align CCDF requirements with private‑pay practices. The Department may pay up to the program’s market rate even if that is higher than a provider’s private‑pay rate, when federal law allows.

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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 587

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/17/2026Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/12/2026House

  4. CONSENT 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.

    3/10/2026House

  5. COMMITTEE 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.

    3/5/2026Senate

  6. Report READ and ACCEPTED.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-520) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    3/3/2026Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  8. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Committee 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

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