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2018 SESSION

18103673D
HOUSE BILL NO. 255
Offered January 10, 2018
Prefiled January 2, 2018
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-199.7, relating to the establishment of the Public Preschool Fund and Grant Program.
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Patrons-- Guzman and Gooditis
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-199.7 as follows:

§ 22.1-199.7. Public Preschool Fund and Grant Program.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Public Preschool Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, or other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of awarding grants to successful applicants under the Public Preschool Grant Program established pursuant to subsection B. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

B. The Public Preschool Grant Program (the Program) is hereby established for the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis to local school boards to establish and maintain public preschool programs for children who reside in the local school division and who will have reached their fourth birthday on or before September 30 of the relevant school year.

C. The Department of Education shall administer the Program and shall establish (i) guidelines and procedures for grant applications, awards, and renewals; (ii) standards for preschool programs established and maintained by grant recipients, including standards for curriculum, student achievement, attendance, instruction, personnel, and length of school day and school year; and (iii) data collection and reporting requirements for grant recipients.

D. The Department of Education shall give priority to grant applicants who propose a plan for the innovative use of facilities in the local school division to house the proposed public preschool program, including community centers and recreation centers.