HB539 (2015) Detail

Establishing an early learning incentive fund in the department of education.


HB 539-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2015 SESSION

15-0655

04/05

HOUSE BILL 539-FN

AN ACT establishing an early learning incentive fund in the department of education.

SPONSORS: Rep. Gile, Merr 27; Rep. Myler, Merr 10; Sen. Feltes, Dist 15; Sen. Stiles, Dist 24

COMMITTEE: Finance

ANALYSIS

This bill establishes an early learning incentive fund in the department of education.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

15-0655

04/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fifteen

AN ACT establishing an early learning incentive fund in the department of education.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Section; Early Learning Incentive Fund. Amend RSA 21-N by inserting after section 11 the following new section:

21-N:12 Early Learning Incentive Fund Established. There is established an early learning incentive fund in the department of education which shall be kept distinct and separate from other funds. The fund shall be administered by the commissioner of the department of education and shall be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the department for the purposes set forth in this section. The commissioner may accept any gifts, grants, donations, or other funding from any source and shall deposit all such revenue received in the early learning incentive fund. The fund shall be used to provide grants to school districts to enable districts to develop early learning programs to be offered on a voluntary basis to families with children ages 3-5 years. Such programs may include but not be limited to, expanding half-day to full-day kindergarten, preschool programs, family resource centers with educational programs, or to initiate voluntary programs for all age-eligible children in communities with limited financial resources.

2 New Subparagraph; Application of Receipts; Early Learning Incentive Fund. Amend RSA?6:12, I(b) by inserting after subparagraph (326) the following new subparagraph:

(327) Moneys deposited in the early learning incentive fund established in RSA 21-N:12.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

LBAO

15-0655

01/22/15

HB 539-FN - FISCAL NOTE

AN ACT establishing an early learning incentive fund in the department of education.

FISCAL IMPACT:

    The Department of Education states this bill, as introduced, will increase state and local revenues and expenditures by an indeterminable amount in FY 2016 and each year thereafter. There will be no impact on county revenues or expenditures.

METHODOLOGY:

    The Department of Education states this bill establishes a non-lapsing and continually appropriated dedicated fund for the purpose of providing grants to school districts enabling them to develop early learning programs to be offered to families with children ages 3-5. Under this bill, the Commissioner of the Department may accept gifts, donations, grants, or any other funding to carry out the purpose of this fund. To the extent the Department receives such funding and disburses it from the fund, this bill would increase state restricted revenues and expenditure, as well as local revenues and expenditures, by an indeterminable amount in FY 2016 and each year thereafter. The Department also states administrative tasks relative to this fund would be fulfilled by existing personnel.