May Newsletter
The 2026 legislative session is coming to an end on Monday, and things are moving! Here are some highlights:
The Ready Louisiana Coalition’s annual Early Ed Day at the Capitol was a successful day of advocacy with business leaders, early childhood leaders, and legislators. The Capitol Park Museum was filled with partners who are committed to increased investment in early childhood education for Louisiana’s children.
This is the latest on bills we are tracking:
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HB 1 is the state budget bill for next fiscal year, which includes an $78 million appropriation for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to maintain last year's funding level. The bill was passed by the full Senate with amendments, and now returns to the House for concurrence.
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HB 313 is the supplemental budget bill for this fiscal year, which includes:
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a $900,000 appropriation to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL). DPIL is a book-gifting program that mails a free, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth until their 5th birthday.
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HB 313 was amended in committee to incorporate some of SB 445's provisions, which would have codified additional revenue streams into the ECE Fund.
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The amendment to HB 313 added language directing any unspent funds from LDOE’s budget in FY2025-26 to be deposited into the ECE Fund.
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The bill was passed by the full Senate with amendments, and now returns to the House for concurrence.
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HB 992 creates a unique student identifier for children enrolled in publicly funded early childhood education programs. This bill would enable the state to measure long-term outcomes of public investments. The bill has passed both chambers and sent to the Governor.
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HB 1242 would allow more than one Type III license at a school location. This bill is currently awaiting debate on the Senate floor by all senators. This bill is unlikely to progress due to last-minute concerns about its necessity. No compromise has been reached on what would result in a robust and effective policy.
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SB 445 would codify the state match for the ECE Fund and create a new revenue stream by directing any unspent funds from the Department of Education’s budget to the fund. This bill is pending with the Senate Finance Committee; however, some of its contents have been incorporated into HB 313. Because the contents of this bill have been incorporated into HB 313, this bill will not move forward.
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HB 648 would allow parents/guardians of children under age 5 and providers of early childhood supports or services who sit on boards and commissions to participate virtually. The bill is pending in the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee. It is likely this bill will not move forward due to the session ending Monday and unforeseen last-minute concerns.
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HB 1146 combines the ECE Advisory Council with the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission, amends the membership composition, and transfers the Council's duties and responsibilities to the Commission. The bill has been passed by both chambers and sent to the Governor.
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SB 135 would remove the $20 million cap on sports betting tax revenues for the ECE Fund and impose a cap on the sports betting tax revenues for the Supporting Programs, Opportunities, Resources, and Teams Fund. The bill did not make it out of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
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SB 351 would allow pregnant women to apply for CCAP while pregnant. This was done to address concerns about the long waitlist; they would not be given preferential treatment, but would instead be given an opportunity to apply while pregnant. The bill has been passed by both chambers and has been sent to the Governor.
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