(

a) Beginning on or before July 1, 2027, the department may set aside up to percent of funding associated with slot expansion awards for general childcare and development programs pursuant to this

chapter to fund minor repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and other readiness activities for childcare and development programs. (

b) The department shall establish the process, including eligibility criteria, by which the funds described in subdivision (

a) shall be awarded to contractors. The guidelines and procedures shall include, but are not limited to, criteria for funding eligibility, criteria for approved projects or activities, and appropriate timeframes for funding utilization. (

c) Funds awarded pursuant to this

section shall be utilized for approved projects or activities within the timeframe established by the department pursuant to subdivision (b). (

d) The department may rescind funding awarded pursuant to this

section for reasons that include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Awarded funds have not been, or are not expected to be, utilized within the timeframe established by the department.

(2) Awarded funds have been, or are expected to be, utilized for projects or activities that have not been approved by the department.

(3) Awarded funds have been, or are expected to be, utilized in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines and procedures established by the department. (

e) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with

Section 11340) of Part of Division of Title of the Government Code), the department may administer and implement this section, in whole or in part, by means of childcare bulletins or similar instructions from the department until regulations are adopted. (

f) This

section shall only be implemented to the extent not prohibited by federal law, regulation, and directives.