SF 170 (LSB 1074XS (2) 87)

SENATE FILE 170

BY  RAGAN and MATHIS

(COMPANION TO HF 51 BY WINCKLER)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the income eligibility requirements for state child care assistance.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 237A.13, subsection 7, paragraph c, Code 2017, is amended to read as follows:
   c.  Families with an income of more than one hundred percent but not more than one two hundred forty-five percent of the federal poverty level whose members, for at least twenty-eight hours per week in the aggregate, are employed or are participating at a satisfactory level in an approved training program or educational program.
    Sec. 2.  DIRECTIVE TO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ON CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.  Effective January 1, 2018, the department of human services shall amend its administrative rules pursuant to chapter 17A to provide income eligibility for state child care assistance, according to family size for children needing basic care, to families whose nonexempt gross monthly income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. 
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the income eligibility requirements for the receipt of child care assistance. 
   Under current law, Code section 237A.13 authorizes the department of human services to establish income eligibility requirements for recipients of state child care assistance. The bill directs the department of human services to amend its administrative rules establishing income requirements for children needing basic care to provide income eligibility according to family size at 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill correspondingly amends the poverty level from 145 percent to 200 percent in Code section 237A.13(7)(c) regarding the establishment and prioritization of a waiting list for child care assistance.