AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 37 and Title 71, relative to funding child care services.
Impact
The bill is designed to significantly impact child care services in Tennessee by ensuring funding and resources are directed toward addressing workforce demands. By creating a distinct fund for child care infrastructure, the bill seeks to ensure that there is sustainable funding and support for new child care facilities. This not only aims to enhance access to child care for working parents but also promotes job creation and supports economic growth by ensuring that families can seek employment without the burden of child care shortages.
Summary
House Bill 1336, known as the 'Workers Need Child Care Act,' seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on enhancing the infrastructure for child care services. The legislation establishes a dedicated 'child care infrastructure fund' within the state general fund aimed at aligning child care availability with workforce development needs. This fund will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, which will be responsible for allocating grants to nonprofit entities for the establishment of licensed child care agencies across the state.
Contention
While the bill supports the enhancement of child care services, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the oversight of grant disbursement. Stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring that the funds are effectively utilized and that there are sufficient checks and balances to prevent misallocation. Moreover, debates may occur around the inclusivity of the funding process, particularly whether all communities will receive equitable support for establishing child care facilities.
Implementation
If passed, HB1336 will take effect immediately upon becoming law, ensuring that the provisions can be implemented without delay. This legislation also requires the commissioner of economic and community development to submit an annual report detailing fund expenditures, thus promoting transparency and accountability in how the funds are administered.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7, Chapter 51, Part 10; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 67 and Title 71, relative to the funding of childcare services.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7, Chapter 51, Part 10; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 67 and Title 71, relative to the funding of childcare services.