Substitute Bill No. 5346 Summary

• Establishes the Early Childhood Education Fund under the Comptroller to receive and retain unexpended appropriations from early childhood programs, with funds rolling over annually rather than lapsing.

• Requires the Commissioner of Early Childhood to deposit unexpended funds from child care and preschool programs into the Early Childhood Education Fund instead of alternative accounts.

• Maintains state funding for child care centers, group homes, and family child care homes serving economically disadvantaged children at $13,500 per infant or toddler annually and requires at least 60% of enrolled children to be from families at or below 75% of state median income.

• Directs the Department of Administrative Services to study state property availability for early childhood care, education programs, housing, and adult training, with findings due to the education committee by January 1, 2026.

• All provisions take effect July 1, 2024, except the property availability study which takes effect upon passage.