HB 388 Summary

• Expands scope from infants and toddlers with disabilities to include all young children ages birth to five (5) years with special needs and establishes a new Early Childhood Comprehensive System alongside the existing Early Intervention System.

• Revises the Early Childhood Coordinating Council membership to include at least 20% parents of young children with special needs and 20% service providers, plus representatives from education, health, insurance, Head Start, and other agencies.

• Creates two dedicated funds: the Early Intervention Services Fund (for direct services to eligible children) and the Early Childhood Comprehensive System Fund (for council operations and early childhood program support).

• Establishes the Department of Health and Welfare as the lead agency responsible for administering funds, coordinating with other state agencies, and developing policies for the statewide early intervention and early childhood systems.

• Includes a sunset provision making Sections 7, 8, and 14 void if federal law no longer requires an Interagency Coordinating Council and Early Childhood Advisory Council.