HI HB385

Establishes the R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health) program within the office of youth services to provide standardized framework and funding for after-school programs in public middle and intermediate schools.

Authorizes the office of youth services to award funding to schools, individuals, organizations, or other entities to establish, support, or enhance after-school programs and requires annual legislative reporting on program implementation and fund use.

Allows the office to establish program requirements and assess participation fees or charges to students, with revenues deposited into a special fund to supplement program administration and operation costs.

Creates the R.E.A.C.H. program special fund to receive fees, legislative appropriations, interest earnings, and other moneys for hiring personnel, promoting activities, conducting demonstrations, contracting for services, and funding program expenses.

Requires a program specialist appointed by the governor to run the R.E.A.C.H. program, exempt from civil service requirements.