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LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., Governor Ch. 525

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(ii) the appropriate length of time between the date of submission of an initial request for enrollment in the Program and submission of a complete application with all required documentation; and

(iii) the minimal length of time that an individual who is granted presumptive eligibility should receive a subsidy under the Program if the individual is later determined to be ineligible for the Program.

(3) The study conducted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include an analysis of the effects of changes to the Program, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, including an analysis of:

(i) the annual effect on Program participation of allowing individuals who have not pursued child support payments to participate in the Program;

(ii) whether the support programs listed under § 9.5–113(c) of the Education Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, are the appropriate programs to use in order to ensure that vulnerable families are not required to pay for child care; and

(iii) any additional support programs that should be used in addition to or instead of those listed under § 9.5–113(c) of the Education Article, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act.

(4) The study conducted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include an investigation into the creation of a simplified form to be used by an individual applying to the Program.

(5) The study conducted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include an investigation into methods of aiding applicants to the Program in completing the application process, including the possibility of enlisting the voluntary participation of child care provider employees.

(c) The Department shall study and make recommendations on the practical steps needed to carry out the processes recommended under subsection (b) of this section, including:

(1) the extent to which money provided by the federal government and State matching funds for the Program can be used to accomplish the goals listed under subsection (b) of this section and the extent to which the State must provide separate funding;

(2) the need to alter or renegotiate any contracts used in the operation of the Program, and the earliest date on which those contracts could be altered or renegotiated;

(3) any statutory changes necessary to achieve the goals listed under subsection (b) of this section; and