IN HB1308

Establishes the Indiana Bright Start Program to provide early learning and child care tuition assistance for children under age 5 whose families exceed income limits for existing programs (prekindergarten, CCDF) or are on wait lists

Prioritizes grants for children under age 3, then ages 4-5, from households earning up to 85% of Indiana's state median income, with additional assistance available for higher-income families

Creates the Indiana Bright Start Fund funded by legislative appropriations, available agency money, public/private donations, and federal grants, with fund balances carrying over between fiscal years

Eligible providers include licensed child care centers/homes with Level 3 or 4 Paths to QUALITY ratings, public schools including charters, and accredited nonpublic schools

Requires the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services to submit annual reports to the governor and legislative council beginning October 1, 2027, with the program effective July 1, 2026