ON APRIL 19, 2023, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #2 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 355, AS AMENDED.
AMENDMENT #2 rewrites this bill to do the following:
(1) Require the department of education to conduct a statewide needs analysis of preschool education in Tennessee to be reported on the department's website no later than March 31, 2024;
(2) Require the analysis to at least include gaps between family demand for preschool service and the availability of high-quality preschool opportunities;
(3) Require the department to establish the Tennessee preschool task force to assist in developing a strategic plan for preschool education in this state and to provide recommendations on high-quality programming. Membership on the task force must at least include a representative from the department of education; a representative from the department of human services; a member of the education administration committee of the house of representatives; a member of the education instruction committee of the house of representatives; a member of the education committee of the senate; a community member; and a parent;
(4) Require the task force, in conjunction with the department of education, to develop a strategic plan for preschool education in this state with recommendations on how to expand opportunities. The task force must submit their plan and recommendations to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives;
(5) Require, subject to available funding, the department to implement a pilot program to award grant funds to five LEAs to implement innovative and high-quality preschool programs in the 2023-2034 school year. The department is then required to assess the effects of the pilot program to inform the task force in their recommendations; and
(6) Authorize the state board of education, in consultation with the department of education, to promulgate rules to effectuate this amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-1-208