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SF2759 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Cost of child care assistance for families program establishment and appropriation

Related bill: HF1383

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

The bill establishes a program designed to help families in Minnesota afford child care by introducing the "Great Start Affordability Scholarships." The goal is to ensure families do not spend more than 7% of their annual income on early care and learning for children from birth until they enter kindergarten.

Main Provisions

  • Scholarship Program Establishment: The program will help families afford high-quality early care and learning options. Scholarships will be available for families earning less than 150% of the state's median income.
  • Child Eligibility: Children must be from birth to kindergarten and living in Minnesota to qualify, with some provisions for neighboring state residents who plan to attend a Minnesota school.
  • Program Eligibility: Child care and early learning programs that can accept these scholarships must participate in the state’s quality rating system.
  • Administration: The scholarships are to be managed by the commissioner with a system in place for scholarship applications and renewals. Scholarships are set to start by July 1, 2026.
  • Funding: The scholarships will be financed by an account within the state's special revenue fund, with annual appropriations handled by the commissioner. Up to 7% of funds can be used for administrative costs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Integration with Existing Programs: Families receiving current subsidies through different scholarships or child care assistance will transition to the "Great Start" program by July 1, 2028.
  • Community Input: The program ensures that local communities, including families and early care professionals, can influence decisions regarding child care needs and preferences.

Relevant Terms

  • Child care assistance
  • Early learning scholarships
  • Great Start Affordability Scholarships
  • High-quality early care
  • State median income
  • Quality rating and improvement system

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 20, 2025SenateActionIntroduction and first reading
March 20, 2025SenateActionReferred toHealth and Human Services
March 24, 2025SenateActionAuthor added
March 27, 2025SenateActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Considers task force recommendations and community input mechanisms."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the development plan for integrating child care assistance and learning programs.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated transition plan for families receiving care to new scholarship systems."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "142A.44"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies scholarship continuity for children under income criteria."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References eligibility for kindergarten entry requirements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120A.20"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates completion of screening within 90 days for eligibility."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Existing development screening requirements are referenced.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "142D.09"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Recognizes providers under existing Minnesota Rules chapters."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References licensing requirements for child care providers under state rules.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9502"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Recognizes provider licensing compliance for scholarships."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References licensing requirements for child care providers under state rules.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "9503"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors