Oklahoma House Bill HB1043

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Child care; payment; child care provider; reimbursement; Department of Human Services; codification; effective date; emergency.

Impact

One of the crucial impacts of HB1043 is its alignment with federal regulations, particularly the stipulation to conduct annual market rate surveys to meet the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant guidelines. This provision will help ensure that Oklahoma's reimbursement rates remain competitive and fair, enabling child care providers to sustain their operations effectively. By tying financial support to both enrollment and attendance, the bill also seeks to discourage excessive absenteeism, which may impact funding for child care services.

Summary

House Bill 1043 aims to reform the payment structure for child care providers in Oklahoma. It mandates that reimbursements for child care facilities be paid on a weekly basis, with payments split between enrollment numbers and actual daily attendance. The bill establishes that the rate of reimbursement will vary depending on the tier level of the child care facility and the age of the children in care, which is intended to ensure that the pricing reflects the varying needs and costs associated with child care services.

Contention

While HB1043 is expected to standardize child care reimbursement processes and improve fiscal accountability, it may also raise concerns among child care providers regarding the stringent attendance requirements. If children miss ten consecutive days without prior approval, they risk losing their subsidy benefits, potentially leading to operational challenges for child care facilities struggling to manage fluctuating attendance. This requirement could prompt discussions about its implications for families, particularly those who may face uncertainties in their child care needs due to work or personal circumstances.