House Bill 698 amends Tennessee law regarding child care facilities and their relationship with local education agencies (LEAs). The bill modifies existing language to require that each LEA, rather than just those with public charter schools, submit a comprehensive list of all underutilized or vacant properties to the Department of Human Services and the Comptroller of the Treasury. It establishes a definition for "child care facility" and outlines the process for child care facility owners to petition for audits of these property lists. The bill also grants child care facility owners rights of first refusal to purchase or lease properties listed by the LEA, with specific provisions depending on whether public charter schools operate within the LEA.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that upon executing a lease, child care facility owners have unrestricted use of the property for child care services, while maintaining responsibility for routine maintenance and utilities. It includes provisions for the LEA's right of first refusal if the child care facility closes or if the LEA decides to sell the property. The Comptroller of the Treasury is authorized to create rules for the administration of these provisions, and the bill emphasizes that it should not hinder an LEA's planning for the use of its properties. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-13-136(c)(1), 49-13-136