MA H523

Establishes the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Commission to study how to expand pre-kindergarten access to every 3- and 4-year-old child in Massachusetts

Commission chaired by the Department of Early Education and Care commissioner, with 11 total members appointed by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president, including representatives from Head Start, private preschools, teachers' unions, and school superintendent/committee associations

Commission must submit findings and recommended legislation by December 31, 2026, addressing expansion strategies, funding mechanisms, program mix, and quality standards

Report must analyze costs and benefits of different delivery models including Head Start, public schools, state-licensed programs, and private programs, as well as the possibility of including pre-K students in Chapter 70 education funding calculations

Redirects excess funds from the Convention Center Fund to the Department of Early Education and Care annually by June 30 for the sole purpose of expanding pre-kindergarten offerings