Policy Brief: AB 904 - Access to Subsidized Healthcare
Policy Brief #ASSD-HC-043025-04
April 30, 2025
Bill Number: AB 904 (Aguiar-Curry)
Title: Childcare Services: Workday and Family Leave
Status: Amended in Assembly – Human Services Committee
Position: SUPPORT
SUMMARY
AB 904 expands access to subsidized childcare by clarifying that parents on pregnancy leave, paid family leave, or job search are still eligible for care. The bill updates definitions, simplifies eligibility, and allows families to continue receiving care during key transitional periods—without burdensome medical documentation. Specifically, AB 904:
- Expands the definition of “workday” to include time spent on job searches, pregnancy-related leave, or family caregiving leave.
- Includes family leave as a qualifying “need” for subsidized childcare eligibility.
- Simplifies the process by allowing a parent to attest to being on leave, removing the requirement for a signed medical verification form.
- Clarifies that parental incapacity includes temporary conditions such as those experienced during family or pregnancy-related leave.
WHY IT MATTERS TO OUR COMMUNITY
Families with children on the autism spectrum often face greater logistical and financial challenges during pregnancy, birth, medical recovery, or family caregiving transitions. Under current rules, a parent on leave—even for childbirth or family illness—may be disqualified from receiving childcare for their other children unless they meet rigid incapacity standards with extensive medical documentation.
AB 904 helps families remain eligible for subsidized childcare during critical life events without disruptions in care. For parents of children with autism, these disruptions can have serious effects on the child’s behavioral, developmental, and emotional progress. This bill supports continuity of care, promotes equitable access, and recognizes caregiving as essential—not optional—labor.
KEY ISSUES ADDRESSED IN AB 904
1. Aligns Policy with Reality
Current law assumes that if a parent is on leave, they can care for all their children full time. But for families juggling recovery from childbirth, mental health needs, or caregiving for multiple children—including those with disabilities—this assumption is deeply flawed.
AB 904 recognizes pregnancy and family leave as valid reasons for continued childcare access, supporting family stability and well-being.
2. Reduces Unnecessary Bureaucracy
Parents currently must qualify under the "incapacity" category, which requires signed documentation from a medical provider. This is burdensome, particularly for low-income families or those facing language, access, or cultural barriers.
AB 904 simplifies this process by allowing parents to submit a self-attestation confirming they are on leave—removing the need for detailed medical documentation.
3. Promotes Continuity of Care for Children
Disruptions in childcare services during pregnancy or family leave can cause emotional distress and developmental regression for children with autism. Routine, consistency, and trusted environments are crucial.
By allowing families to retain childcare during temporary leave periods, this bill protects children’s developmental trajectories and supports their mental health and adjustment.
4. Advances Economic Equity
The bill ensures that families—especially women and primary caregivers—do not lose access to essential childcare support while on legally protected leave. This promotes equity in career stability, financial independence, and post-leave workforce re-entry, especially for families without informal caregiving networks.
AUTISM SOCIETY SAN DIEGO PERSPECTIVE
We strongly support AB 904 because it closes critical gaps in childcare eligibility for families on leave. This bill is especially meaningful for families of children with autism, who already navigate complex service systems and face disproportionate barriers to accessing care.
By removing outdated assumptions and reducing administrative hurdles, AB 904 promotes childcare continuity, parental wellbeing, and disability-inclusive family policies. It affirms that taking time to recover or care for a loved one should not mean losing access to the care systems that help a family stay afloat.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge members of the California Legislature to vote YES on AB 904 and support working families during periods of caregiving, pregnancy, and transition.