Bill > HB0841

This bill establishes the Promising Futures Early Learning Scholarship Program, which will provide scholarships to help children from low-income families attend high-quality early learning programs. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will transfer excess lottery revenues into a dedicated fund to support these scholarships. Children aged 6 weeks to kindergarten entry who are from households earning up to 150% of the state median income can qualify, with priority given to families where parents are working full-time or attending full-time postsecondary education. In the first year, up to 5,000 scholarships of up to $4,500 each will be available, with future years' scholarship numbers depending on available funding. The Department of Education will create an online portal for applications, establish eligibility criteria, and ensure scholarships are used for high-quality programs that demonstrate strong teacher-child interactions. The program aims to support working families by helping them access early childhood education, with scholarships paid directly to approved learning programs. The department must report on the program's implementation and outcomes annually, and administrative costs are limited to 10% of the fund's balance. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and requires the state board of education to develop implementing rules.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0841&ga=114