Senate Bill 802 aims to enhance early learning opportunities for children in Tennessee by establishing the "promising futures early learning fund." This fund will be created using excess lottery revenues and other sources, specifically designated for providing scholarships to children attending high-quality early learning programs. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill mandates that 100% of net lottery proceeds not allocated for other educational purposes be transferred to this fund. The Department of Education will oversee the scholarship program, which is set to begin by July 1, 2026, and will include a streamlined online application process for parents.

The bill outlines eligibility criteria for the scholarships, which include income limits and residency requirements, and specifies that the maximum scholarship amount will be $4,500. It also emphasizes the importance of high-quality early learning programs, defining them based on quality ratings and teacher-child interactions. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of funds from the promising futures early learning fund to replace existing state funding for child care or early learning programs. The Department of Education is tasked with reporting on the program's implementation and outcomes annually, starting December 31, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-51-111