HJR176 Summary

• Creates a Joint Legislative Study Commission on Expanding Access to High Quality Pre-K Education composed of 5 Senate members and 5 House members appointed by respective leaders.

• Commission must evaluate funding practices for Pre-K programs, identify barriers to quality improvement systems in childcare centers, and assess obstacles to full access to Pre-K classrooms statewide.

• Requires the commission to submit legislative recommendations to the Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore on the first legislative day of the 2022 Regular Session, at which time the commission dissolves.

• First meeting must occur no later than July 1, 2021, with subsequent dates, times, and locations determined by the commission; legislative members receive compensation, per diem, and travel expenses under Amendment 871.

• Appointing authorities must ensure commission membership reflects diversity of gender, race, and geographical areas representative of Alabama.