Relating to reimbursement rates for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program.

SB 972 modifies reimbursement rules for child-care providers in Texas' Rising Star Program. It allows county boards to pay providers at their maximum reimbursement rate for the provider's program rating level, regardless of the provider's published rate, as long as this higher payment does not reduce the target average daily number of children served in subsidized care. This change directly affects licensed child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program who hold higher quality ratings. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and aims to simplify reimbursement while maintaining program performance targets.