A bill for an act modifying eligibility and participation requirements for the state child care assistance program.

HF 2221 modifies Iowa's state child care assistance program by adjusting eligibility requirements and reimbursement rules. It sets income limits (capping at 160% of federal poverty level for basic care or 200% for special needs children), requires parents to work or train at least 32 hours weekly (28 for special needs), and prohibits changing reimbursement rates without new legislation. The bill also establishes a priority waiting list based on income and circumstances (e.g., families at or below 100% poverty level first), and requires providers to accept written agreements for families to pay additional fees beyond state reimbursement. This directly affects low-income families needing child care while working or training, and child care providers receiving state payments.