DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 395 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Steve Carter
Abstract: Provides relative to the authorized use of money in the La. Early Childhood Education
Fund.
Present law establishes the La. Early Childhood Education Fund as a special treasury fund
administered by the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to award funding to
local entities for early childhood care and education through the Child Care Assistance Program
(CCAP). Provides that the fund shall be credited with appropriations, public or private grants, or
donations received by the state or the Dept. of Education for such purpose except federal funds for
the Child Care and Development Fund Program.
Present law requires that monies in the fund be awarded to BESE-approved local entities to fund
early childhood care and education projects through CCAP in Type III early learning centers that
have at least one classroom with children age 15 months or younger. Present law requires that the
local entity provide matching funds from nonstate sources at a rate of at least two to one. Proposed
law provides that federal funds may not be used as matching funds and changes the minimum match
rate to 1:1. Otherwise retains present law.
Proposed law authorizes BESE, if there is money in the fund after the board has funded every
qualifying project pursuant to present law, to award remaining monies in the fund for the
exclusive use of Type III early learning centers to provide quality care for children who are eligible
for CCAP and who are ages birth through two. Requires BESE to consider the following in selecting
recipients of such an award: the CCAP waitlist, child poverty rates, child care needs in terms of the
economic development needs of the parish where the center is located, and increasing the availability
of high quality early learning centers statewide.
Present law authorizes BESE to award additional funding in accordance with CCAP in a local
entity's jurisdiction. Prohibits the award from exceeding 50% of the nonstate funds. Proposed law
removes present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:407.30(D) and (E))