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 Engrossed 2020 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Re-creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission.
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 education services.
Prior law, which terminated on March 31, 2020, created the Early Childhood Care and Education
Commission to study and make recommendations relative to early childhood care and education
issues. Proposed law re-creates the commission and requires it to collect data, consider research and
current practices, determine a sustainable infrastructure, identify opportunities for collaboration,
determine a time frame and necessary funding to achieve affordable access to quality care and
education for all children from birth through age four, and make recommendations relative to the
incorporation of family child care providers into the early childhood care and education network.
Also requires the commission to produce reports for submission to the governor, legislature, state
superintendent of education, and BESE and to establish a task force to identify and recommend
alternative state and local funding strategies.
Proposed law provides for termination of the commission on July 1, 2022.
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))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill:
1. Increase commission membership by adding two members.
2. Additionally require the commission to:
(a)Establish a task force to identify and recommend alternative state and local funding strategies.
(b)Make recommendations relative to the incorporation of family child care
providers into the early childhood care and education network.