appropriations; child care assistance

HB 2648 allocates $160 million from Arizona's general fund for child care assistance through the Department of Economic Security during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly supports families using state child care assistance programs by ensuring consistent financial resources for providers. The bill also specifies that these funds are exempt from standard appropriation lapsing rules, meaning the money won't expire if not fully spent by the end of the fiscal year. As a funding measure, it does not change eligibility rules or program structure but secures dedicated resources for existing child care services.