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 251 Original 2020 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Re-creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission to establish a vision for
accessible, quality early childhood care and education to be implemented through pilot
programs established by the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education at the
community network level.
Present law provides for the Early Childhood Care and Education Network, a comprehensive and
integrated network through which the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
manages and oversees all programs funded through state and federal resources that provide early
childhood care or educational services. Also establishes the Advisory Council on Early Childhood
Care and Education (advisory council), which provides input and guidance to BESE and the state
Dept. of Education on the development of publicly funded early care and education programs.
Prior law, which terminated on March 31, 2020, created the Early Childhood Care and Education
Commission. Proposed law re-creates the commission.
Proposed law re-creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission to study and create
a vision for the future of early childhood care and education. Requires the commission to collect
data, consider research and current practices, determine a sustainable infrastructure, identify
opportunities for collaboration, and determine a time frame and necessary funding to achieve
affordable access to quality care and education for all children from birth through age four. Requires
the commission to meet and produce reports for submission to the governor, legislature, state
superintendent of education, and BESE. Provides for 36 members.
Proposed law provides for termination of the commission on July 1, 2022, and requires, beginning
April 1, 2023, the advisory council to regularly evaluate and provide recommendations to support
the implementation of the commission's plan.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action, except repeal of
proposed law is effective July 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 17:407.51(H)(2); Adds R.S. 17:407.23(D)(3) and 407.101 and R.S. 36:651(G)(8);
Repeals R.S. 17:407.23(D)(3) and 407.101 and R.S. 36:651(G)(8))