AL HB319

Department of Early Childhood Education may develop and operate the Imagination Library of Alabama Program to provide free age-appropriate books monthly to registered children from birth to age five in participating counties.

State program shall contribute 50 percent matching funds required by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, with local program partners providing the remaining 50 percent match.

Imagination Library of Alabama Fund is created as a special state fund to receive gifts, grants, donations, federal funds, and other contributions; unobligated funds do not lapse and remain available for next fiscal year.

Department shall coordinate with a nonprofit entity qualified under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) to operate the program, which must promote local programs, increase enrollment, develop marketing plans, and solicit donations.

Department shall annually publish information on number of local programs, their locations, enrolled children, books distributed, and names of local partner entities.

Act becomes effective October 1, 2025.