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Bill > HB1640


IN HB1640

Prekindergarten program enrollment.


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
01/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Prekindergarten program enrollment. Amends the definition of "eligible child" for purposes of the prekindergarten program (program). Removes provisions regarding the program that require: (1) the office of the secretary of family and social services to determine the number of eligible children who will participate in the program; and (2) a percentage of matching funds from other sources. Establishes the prekindergarten expansion grant fund to provide grants to potential eligible providers and existing eligible providers. Makes a continuous appropriation to the prekindergarten program fund from the state general fund in an amount sufficient to carry out the purposes of the fund. Makes an appropriation to the prekindergarten expansion grant fund from the state general fund. Repeals certain provisions regarding the definitions of "eligible child", "extended enrollment period", "limited eligibility child", "priority enrollment period", "child care employee", and "child of a child care employee". Repeals or removes provision regarding prekindergarten vouchers for limited eligibility children and children of child care employees. Makes conforming changes.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the Indiana prekindergarten program by streamlining its definitions, removing certain categories of children, and establishing new funding mechanisms. Specifically, the bill eliminates separate categories for "limited eligibility children" and "children of child care employees", focusing instead on a single "eligible child" definition. It creates two new funds: the prekindergarten program fund and the prekindergarten expansion grant fund. The bill increases the maximum prekindergarten voucher amount from $6,800 to $9,000 per child and provides substantial state appropriations for these funds - $50 million in the first fiscal year and $75 million in the second fiscal year. The legislation also makes various technical changes to program administration, such as modifying reporting requirements and removing provisions about extended and priority enrollment periods. The changes aim to simplify the prekindergarten program's structure, increase funding, and potentially expand access to early childhood education services in Indiana.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs (on 01/21/2025)

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