SB 206 - This act modifies an expired law relating to the "Hand-Up" pilot program, which was designed to ensure that certain participating recipients continued to receive child care subsidy benefits while paying a premium when their income surpassed the eligibility level for full benefits to continue. This act requires the Children's Division, subject to appropriations and by July 1, 2022, to implement a new pilot program in Jackson County, Clay County, and Greene County. The program shall be designed so that applicants may receive transitional child care benefits without first being eligible for full child care benefits, as long as the applicant's income falls within the income limits established through annual appropriations. The Division shall track the number of recipients in the program and the effectiveness of the program in encouraging recipients to secure employment with incomes greater than the maximum for full child care benefits. The report shall be issued to the General Assembly by September 1, 2023, and each September thereafter.

This act repeals provisions relating to the establishment and utilization of a "Hand-Up Premium Fund" in the State Treasury for premiums collected under the previous pilot program.

The provisions of this act will expire August 28, 2024, unless reauthorized.

This act is identical to SB 584 (2020), substantially similar to HCS/HB 1311 (2018), and similar to SB 965 (2018).

SARAH HASKINS