Missouri Senate Bill SB1160

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Establishes the "Imagination Library of Missouri Program"

Impact

The implementation of SB1160 is expected to enhance access to quality reading materials for preschool-aged children across Missouri. It mandates that beginning in the 2023-24 school year, each school district, in partnership with the newly established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Bureau, will provide one book per month to each eligible child. To support this initiative, the Missouri General Assembly is required to appropriate a minimum of five million dollars annually to fund the program, which will come from the dedicated Imagination Library of Missouri Program Fund.

Summary

Senate Bill 1160 aims to establish the 'Imagination Library of Missouri Program' to promote early childhood literacy by providing eligible children under five years old with a monthly selection of age-appropriate books. This program is designed to encourage a love for reading in young children and is modeled after the successful Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiative. The program will be managed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will collaborate with local school districts to ensure books are delivered directly to the children’s homes.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive investment in early education, potential points of contention include concerns over the adequacy of funding and resource allocation for its implementation. As with many educational reforms, there may be debates among lawmakers regarding the sustainability of the financial commitment to this program, especially in light of other budget priorities. Additionally, discussions may arise about the equitable distribution of books and whether all children in rural and underserved areas will receive equal access to this program.