child care; assistance; eligibility.

SB 1690 updates Arizona's child care assistance program to expand eligibility for low-income families working or seeking employment, including those transitioning off cash assistance, facing crises like domestic violence or homelessness, or in foster care. It sets income thresholds: assistance continues until a family’s income exceeds 165% of the federal poverty level but remains below 85% of the state median income, after which it stops. The program prioritizes families at or below 100% of the federal poverty level and allows education or training as an alternative to work requirements for teen parents. The Department of Economic Security must manage funding through income-based waiting lists and adjust eligibility limits as needed.