H.B. 961 Summary

• Appropriates unspecified funding from general revenues to the preschool open doors special fund for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

• Appropriates unspecified funding from the preschool open doors special fund for the preschool grant program, three temporary IT positions, and data governance improvements related to prior acts.

• Expands accreditation options for preschool providers to include director-approved accrediting organizations beyond the four specifically named national organizations.

• Expands the Executive Office on Early Learning's preschool program to serve three- and four-year-old children in the two years prior to kindergarten entry, with expanded enrollment priorities.

• Modifies the preschool open doors program to serve three-year-old children with a six-tier priority enrollment system, and authorizes the special fund to accept federal funds in addition to existing revenue sources.