Sec. 2308.3151.  REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR TEXAS RISING STAR PROGRAM PROVIDERS.  (a)  Each board shall establish graduated reimbursement rates for child care based on the commission's Texas Rising Star Program.
(b)  The minimum reimbursement rate for a Texas Rising Star Program provider must be greater than the maximum rate established for a provider who is not a Texas Rising Star Program provider for the same category of care.  The reimbursement rate must be:
(1)  at least five percent higher for a provider with a two-star rating;
(2)  at least seven percent higher for a provider with a three-star rating; and
(3)  at least nine percent higher for a provider with a four-star rating.
(c)  The Texas Rising Star Program rate differential established in this section shall be funded with federal child-care development funds.
(d)  The commission shall examine and implement strategies to address the increased costs a Texas Rising Star Program provider with a four-star or three-star rating would incur to provide care to infants and toddlers due to low child-to-caregiver ratios for children in those age groups.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 59 (S.B. 1555), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.