HF 4531

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 05/20/2018 02:34am

A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing a legislative study group on early childhood
education programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin LEGISLATIVE STUDY GROUP ON EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) A ten-member legislative study group on early childhood education is created to
review the 2018 report prepared by the Office of the Legislative Auditor on early childhood
education in Minnesota and to submit a written report by February 1, 2019, to the governor
and legislature with recommendations to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and
coordination of efforts to enhance childhood learning and well-being. In developing its
report, the study group must consider the recommendations in the legislative auditor's report
as well as the adequacy of the state's tax code in recognizing and relieving the cost of in-home
and out-of-home care and education for children provided by parents or others.
new text end

new text begin (b) The legislative study group on early childhood education includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) five duly elected and currently serving members of the house of representatives,
three appointed by the speaker of the house and two appointed by the minority leader of
the house of representatives, one of whom must be the current chair of the house of
representatives Education Finance Committee; and
new text end

new text begin (2) five duly elected and currently serving senators, three appointed by the senate majority
leader and two appointed by the senate minority leader, one of whom must be the current
chair of the senate E-12 Finance Committee.
new text end

new text begin Only duly elected and currently serving members of the house of representatives or
senate may be study group members.
new text end

new text begin (c) The appointments must be made by June 1, 2018, and expire February 2, 2019. If a
vacancy occurs, the leader of the caucus in the house of representatives or senate to which
the vacating study group member belongs must fill the vacancy. The chair of the senate
E-12 Finance Committee shall convene the first meeting of the study group. The study group
shall elect a chair or cochairs from among the members at the first meeting. The study group
must meet periodically. The Legislative Coordinating Commission must provide technical
and administrative assistance upon request.
new text end

new text begin (d) In reviewing the legislative auditor's report and developing its recommendations,
the study group must consult with interested and affected stakeholders, including families
and providers, and must seek advice from local government officials and the commissioners
of education, health, and human services.
new text end

new text begin (e) The study group expires February 2, 2019, unless extended by law.
new text end