Bill > SB2361

This bill mandates that the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), a state agency that studies issues between state and local governments, conduct a comprehensive study on early childhood education programs administered by public schools in Tennessee, including voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, programs for students with special needs, federally funded programs like Head Start, and other similar initiatives. The study will examine program costs, funding sources, access and participation rates, unmet needs, and compare Tennessee's programs to those in other states, ultimately providing policy options and recommendations for future development, anticipated needs, and sustainable funding strategies. All relevant state and local agencies are required to assist TACIR with this study, and TACIR must submit its findings and recommendations to the relevant legislative committees by September 1, 2027.