Oklahoma Senate Bill SB590

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Child care; requiring Department of Human Services to institute certain payment incentive subject to available funds. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If passed, SB590 would require the DHS to implement rules to regulate this incentive program, which depends on the availability of funding. The introduction of this bill reflects the state’s recognition of the challenges faced by families requiring accessible child care services at all hours. By incentivizing facilities to offer care outside of typical business hours, the bill is positioned to alleviate some of the barriers to employment faced by parents who might otherwise struggle to secure safe and reliable care for their children during irregular shifts.

Summary

Senate Bill 590, introduced by Senator Garvin, aims to establish a payment incentive for child care facilities that provide care outside of normal business hours, as determined by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). This initiative is designed to enhance the availability of child care services during evenings, nights, and weekends, thereby addressing a critical need for parents and caregivers who work non-traditional hours. The bill emphasizes the importance of expanding access to child care, particularly for families that struggle to find suitable options during standard hours.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support for its intent to improve child care access, some potential points of contention could arise regarding the implementation and funding of the incentive program. Critics may question the reliability of available funds and the feasibility of enforcing rules on the facilities benefiting from the incentives. Additionally, there may be concerns about whether this approach effectively addresses the broader issues of child care quality and affordability, which could lead to debates on the prioritization of resources in the state's budget.