MO HB1861

Establishes the "Missouri Books From Birth Program" within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to encourage preschool children to read.

Program goal includes distributing one free book per month to children between birth and age five in Missouri.

Department shall partner with a nonprofit public benefit corporation whose board is elected through a process approved annually by the governor or designee.

Creates the "Missouri Books From Birth Fund" in the state treasury to receive public and state appropriated funds for program administration, with funds not reverting to general revenue at end of biennium.

Authorizes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to promulgate rules and regulations for program administration under Chapter 536 procedures.