House Bill 2053 Summary

• Establishes an evidence-based nurse-home visitor grant program in the Department of Child Safety to prevent child maltreatment, improve maternal and child health, and promote economic mobility for low-income families.

• Awards grant monies to eligible organizations (public, private, nonprofit, local government, and tribal entities) to provide voluntary nurse-home visiting services to first-time expectant mothers who enroll before 28 weeks of pregnancy, with services continuing through the child's second birthday.

• Requires grantee organizations to employ licensed registered nurses with bachelor of science degrees and deliver services meeting federal Title IV-E prevention services clearinghouse standards as "well-supported" evidence-based models.

• Appropriates $15,000,000 and 5 FTE positions from the state general fund in fiscal year 2023-2024, with up to $382,500 per year allowable for grant program administration, with unspent funds reverting to the general fund on January 1, 2028.

• Requires annual reports by August 31 of 2024-2027 documenting grants awarded, participant enrollment numbers, home-visiting hours, and health outcome data; program automatically repeals December 31, 2027.