(a) There is established the Smart Steps Plus program to provide child care scholarships to eligible working families whose household income exceeds eligibility thresholds for existing child care assistance programs.
(b) As used in this section:(1) “Eligible working family” means a household with one (1) or more children requiring child care in which the household income does not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the state median income; and(2) “Program” means the Smart Steps Plus program created in this section.
(1) “Eligible working family” means a household with one (1) or more children requiring child care in which the household income does not exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the state median income; and
(2) “Program” means the Smart Steps Plus program created in this section.
(c) Subject to available funding, the department shall administer a Smart Steps Plus program to provide child care scholarships on a sliding scale basis, after application of any federal or state child care assistance, including any federal temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) funds set aside to be transferred to the child care and development fund (CCDF), for which the child or family is otherwise eligible to receive.
(d) The department may establish eligibility criteria, benefit levels, copayment requirements, and prioritization schedules for the program by rule; provided, that the assistance must be targeted to support workforce participation and employment stability. Any rules promulgated by the department must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(e) The department may administer and begin operating the program on or after January 1, 2027, subject to available funding.