Bill > HB0698

This bill requires local education agencies (LEAs) to submit comprehensive lists of underutilized or vacant property to the Department of Human Services and the Comptroller of the Treasury, specifically focusing on providing child care facilities with opportunities to lease or purchase these properties. The bill defines "child care facility" as a child care agency, center, or drop-in center owned by individuals rather than corporations, and establishes a right of first or second refusal for such facilities to acquire these properties. Under the bill, LEAs without public charter schools must first offer vacant or underutilized properties to child care facilities at or below fair market value, while LEAs with public charter schools provide a second right of refusal. The bill outlines specific procedures for property valuation, including using average appraisals from independent appraisers, and details the responsibilities of child care facilities when leasing properties, such as maintaining the property and paying utilities. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for what happens if a child care facility closes or stops using the property, giving the LEA a right of first refusal to repurchase. The legislation aims to help child care facilities access educational property while maintaining flexibility for LEAs in property planning, and will take effect on July 1, 2025.