H97 - 2015 Appropriations Act, Sec. 12B.8: Statewide Early Education and Family Support Programs (SL 2015-241)

Overview: Section 12B.8 of S.L. 2015-241 directs the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services to appoint a subcommittee to study early childhood and family support programs including the: (i) Childcare Subsidy Program, (ii) NC Pre-K, and (iii) Smart Start. The subcommittee studying the program must consider the:

• Purposes, outcomes, and effectiveness of each program.
• Flexibility needed to meet the needs of children in counties across the State.
• Potential to streamline administration across programs.
• Other relevant issues the subcommittee may deem appropriate.

The subcommittee may seek input from other states, stakeholders, or experts on early childhood and family support programs. The subcommittee must develop a proposal on how to meet county and regional needs and make a report on the proposed plan to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on or before April 1, 2016.

This section became effective July 1, 2015.