Kansas House Bill HB2191

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/17/23
• Engrossed: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/6/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Authorizing the children's cabinet to form a 501(c)(3) for fundraising for the Dolly Parton imagination library book gifting program.

Impact

This legislation is significant as it represents a state-level effort to bolster early childhood literacy through organized fundraising initiatives. By establishing a formal structure for contributions and grants, the bill facilitates a systematic way to fund the Imagination Library program, which has demonstrated success in providing free books to children. This initiative not only aims to increase access to reading materials but also promotes a culture of literacy in young children across Kansas.

Summary

House Bill 2191 pertains to the establishment of a nonprofit corporation by the children's cabinet in Kansas, specifically aimed at supporting the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library book gifting program. The bill allows the children’s cabinet to set up this 501(c)(3) organization, which will focus on fundraising efforts to enhance literacy and promote reading among children in the state. The board of directors of this new nonprofit will be composed of members from the children's cabinet, including the executive director and other appointed directors.

Contention

While the bill passed unanimously with significant support, potential points of contention may arise around the funding methods and the oversight of the nonprofit corporation. The reliance on donations and grants introduces questions regarding the sustainability and dependability of the program’s funding. Additionally, some stakeholders may scrutinize the effectiveness of such programs in addressing literacy needs compared to direct state funding initiatives that might also serve similar purposes.