128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 335		LR 789(01)
	An Act To Expand Child Care Options for Children Placed with Older Kinship Guardians
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Nadeau of Winslow
	Committee: Health and Human Services
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to reimburse 100% of the child care expenses incurred by an adult relative guardian of a minor if the guardian is 60 years of age or older and has an annual income of $50,000 or less. The bill also prohibits the department from requiring the guardian to be employed a minimum number of hours per week in order to receive the reimbursement. This will increase reimbursement costs, but the DHHS does not currently have data on the number of adult relative guardians who are 60 years of age or older and who have an annual income of $50,000 or less. Also, it will need to be determined for each individual what amount will be used to represent 100% of child care expenses incurred. Given these uncertainties, no fiscal estimate is made at this time, but will need to be developed if the bill moves forward.