MS HB1375

Creates a 25-member Task Force to Study and Report on the Funding and Implementation of Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs in Mississippi, composed of legislators, state officials, educators, Head Start representatives, and business leaders.

Task force must be appointed within 30 days and hold its first meeting by July 15, 2012, with members elected to select a chairman and establish operating procedures requiring a majority quorum for action.

Task force shall study effectiveness, structure, and funding of pre-kindergarten programs in other states; review collaboration possibilities among public schools, Head Start, and private providers; and tour at least one nationally recognized successful program.

Task force must submit a written report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature before January 2, 2014, for consideration during the 2014 Regular Session.

Non-legislative members receive travel reimbursement; legislative members receive compensation for committee meetings when Legislature is not in session; State Department of Education and Department of Human Services provide staff support; task force dissolves upon presentation of report.