Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1019

Introduced
11/20/24  
Refer
1/13/25  

Caption

To Create The Affordable Childcare Act Of 2025; To Create An Income Tax Credit For Employers Who Assist Employees With Childcare Costs; And To Replace The Existing Income Tax Credit For Employer-operated Childcare Facilities.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to replace the existing income tax credit system for employer-operated childcare facilities. By introducing a more comprehensive tax credit structure, the bill aims to incentivize not only the establishment of childcare facilities but also the ongoing support of childcare services. The financial implications for businesses could lead to increased participation in childcare programs, potentially expanding the availability of childcare resources within the community. This assistance aligns with broader state efforts to support working families, particularly those balancing employment with child-rearing responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 1019, titled the 'Affordable Childcare Act of 2025', proposes the establishment of an income tax credit for employers who assist their employees with childcare costs. This act aims to encourage businesses to provide childcare support, which could significantly alleviate the financial burden on employees with dependent children. The bill outlines specific eligibility requirements for the childcare facilities involved, mandating that they must be licensed under the Childcare Facility Licensing Act. The income tax credit will be available to businesses based on the amount spent on childcare services or for establishing childcare facilities, with detailed percentages specified for these expenses.

Conclusion

Overall, the Affordable Childcare Act of 2025 represents a significant shift in state policy towards childcare support for working families. By providing financial incentives for businesses, it could lead to enhanced childcare options that benefit both employers and employees. Success of the bill will hinge on careful consideration of the balance between providing necessary assistance and maintaining fiscal responsibility within the state's budget.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB1019 may reveal points of contention regarding the funding of these tax credits and the potential long-term impacts on state revenue. Advocates might argue that the act is essential for supporting families and encouraging workforce participation among parents, while critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of tax credits as a solution to childcare access issues. Additionally, the bill's reliance on tax incentives could spark debates on whether this approach adequately addresses the root challenges faced by families seeking affordable childcare.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB352

To Create Income Tax Incentives For Employer-based Dependent Care Assistance; And To Create An Income Tax Credit For Employer Payments Related To Dependent Care Assistance.

AR HB1158

To Create The Early Childhood Education Workforce Quality Incentive Act; And To Create Income Tax Credits For Certain Early Childhood Education Workers And For Eligible Business Childcare Expenses.

AR HB1400

To Adopt The Federal Tax Credit For Employers Who Provide Paid Family And Medical Leave For Their Employees.

AR HB1003

To Create Income Tax Credits For Beginning Farmers And Owners Of Agricultural Assets.

AR HB1382

To Create The Reboot Pilot Program; And To Create An Income Tax Credit For Businesses That Hire Certain Former Offenders.

AR HB1815

To Create An Income Tax Credit For Family Caregivers.

AR HB1421

To Create An Income Tax Credit For Contributions To Certain Rural Hospital Organizations; And To Create The Helping Enhance Access To Rural Treatment (heart) Act.

AR HB1680

To Create The Arkansas Private Lands Conservation Income Tax Credit Act.

AR SB8

To Reduce The Income Tax Rates Applicable To Individuals, Trusts, Estates, And Corporations; To Create An Inflationary Relief Income Tax Credit For Certain Taxpayers; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1779

To Amend The Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit; And To Allow An Income Tax Credit For Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Expansion Projects.

Similar Bills

CA AB324

Childcare services: state-subsidized childcare: professional support stipends.

CA AB1345

Emergency services: licensed childcare providers.

CA AB1179

Employer provided benefit: backup childcare.

CA AB2476

Childcare services: alternative payment programs.

CA SB321

CalWORKs: supportive services: childcare.

CA AB167

Childcare and development services: infants and toddlers: state funding.

CA AB1294

Childcare: individualized county childcare subsidy plans.

CA AB452

Childcare: facilities: grants.