Childcare.

The California Assembly Committee on Human Services proposes modifications to childcare attendance policies and fee structures through legislation that expands reimbursement criteria and extends fee exemptions for vulnerable families. The measure adds medical and educational appointments to the list of qualifying absences for provider reimbursement and permits contractors to claim attendance when required to hold spaces during family abandonment proceedings or related appeals.

Under current law, families receiving child protective services can obtain exemptions from childcare fees for up to 12 months. The bill doubles this exemption period to 24 months while explicitly prohibiting fees for families receiving CalWORKs cash aid. These changes affect programs administered by the State Department of Social Services that serve children from infancy through age 13.

The legislation maintains existing provider reimbursement frameworks but broadens the circumstances under which attendance can be claimed. While the measure requires fiscal committee review, it operates within current appropriation levels and does not mandate new local programs. The department may implement these modifications through administrative guidance until formal regulations are adopted.