HB 647: Regards publicly funded child care, the Child Care Cred Program

The bill aims to improve the state's publicly funded child care program. It designates the department of children and youth as the state agency responsible for administering and coordinating federal and state funding for child care. The program will provide child care to eligible families, including those with low incomes, migrant workers, and individuals participating in work programs. The bill establishes a process for suspending or revoking licenses of child care centers and homes due to serious safety risks or improper activities. It also creates a system for investigating and prosecuting crimes related to child abuse and neglect, allowing the attorney general to investigate and take action. The bill also requires the department of children and youth to allocate a portion of federal funds for activities such as consumer education, increasing parental choice, and improving the qualit…