Senate Bill No. 351, introduced by Senator Jackson-Andrews, aims to amend and reenact specific provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the administration of the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and the role of the Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education. The bill clarifies that the fund will be administered by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), which will award annual funds to local entities for projects that expand early childhood care and education quality slots for families eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program. Additionally, it stipulates that local entities must provide matching funds from nonstate and nonfederal sources at a one-to-one rate to qualify for these awards.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that the Advisory Council will provide guidance to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the department on the development and implementation of rules and policies related to early care and education programs, including various assistance programs. The amendments replace references to "the board" with "the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education" to ensure clarity in the law. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB351 Original: 17:30(D)(1), 17:51(H)(1)