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SB 351

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: Provides relative to children and family assistance programs. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Delisha Boyd and 14 co-sponsors

BESE administers the Early Childhood Fund, requires local 1:1 matching for funded projects, clarifies BESE as the board, and adds a provisional CCAP eligibility process for expecta

Effective date 8/1/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 351

Summary: SB 351 (Louisiana, 2026) – Education Department; Children and Family Assistance Programs

Purpose and intent

SB 351 amends provisions related to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and the Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education. The bill clarifies administrative roles, strengthens the role of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and adds a framework for provisional eligibility related to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). It is intended to support expanding access to high-quality early childhood care and education for families eligible for CCAP, and to improve governance and input on early childhood policies.

Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

1) Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund (R.S. 17:407.30(D)(1))

  • The fund remains administered by BESE.
  • Annual awards to local entities approved by BESE to fund projects that expand the number of early childhood care and education quality slots for families eligible for CCAP under Type III early learning center programs.
  • Matching requirement: Any local entity receiving nonstate/nonfederal funds for a project must provide matching funds at least at a 1-to-1 ratio.
  • Eligibility criteria for slots funded by local funds: Local entities must establish eligibility criteria; at minimum, slots shall be limited to children whose family income makes them economically disadvantaged as defined by BESE.

2) Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education (R.S. 17:407.51(H)(1))

  • The Advisory Council continues to provide input and guidance to BESE and the Department on rules, regulations, bulletins, policies, or standards for all early care and education programs, including CCAP, Early Head Start, Head Start, Cecil J. Picard LA 4 program, and related funds.
  • The bill clarifies that references to the “board” in this context mean BESE.

3) Provisional eligibility process for CCAP (new concept in digest; incorporated in amendments and associated amendments)

  • The Senate floor amendments add a process (designated in the digest as proposed law) allowing an expectant mother to apply to the CCAP prior to the birth of the child to preliminarily determine eligibility.
  • The Department of Education would develop and implement a process to determine provisional eligibility and later confirm eligibility after birth.
  • This provisional eligibility process must be approved by both the Senate and House education committees.
  • The Department would be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement this process.

Note: The final text included in the digest indicates a broader expansion to provisional eligibility in the accompanying amendments, though the primary enacted sections focus on BESE administration and Advisory Council clarification. The provisional eligibility provision appears in the supporting amendments and is described in the bill’s amendments history.

Who would be affected

  • Families eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, particularly those seeking expansion of high-quality early childhood care slots.
  • Local entities (e.g., providers and organizations) partnering with BESE to implement CCAP-related projects, given matching fund requirements.
  • BESE as the administering body for the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and as the approving authority for local projects.
  • The Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education, which continues to guide policy and standards across early care programs.
  • Expectant mothers and families, who may benefit from a provisional eligibility process for CCAP prior to birth (subject to final rules and committee approvals).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.
  • Administrative changes require BESE to administer the fund and for local matches to meet the 1:1 funding ratio when nonstate/nonfederal funds are used.
  • The Advisory Council’s role remains advisory, providing input on rules, policies, and standards.
  • If the provisional eligibility provision is enacted via the amendments, the Department of Education would need to develop the process, obtain joint committee approval, and promulgate implementing rules.

Summary in plain terms

SB 351 preserves BESE’s control over the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and strengthens the requirement that local projects matching nonstate funds must provide at least a one-to-one match. It reinforces the Advisory Council’s role in shaping early childhood policies and clarifies leadership terminology (BESE as the responsible board). Additionally, the bill introduces (through floor amendments) a framework for provisional CCAP eligibility for expectant mothers and directs the Department of Education to develop and oversee the provisional eligibility process, with oversight from legislative education committees. The bill aims to expand access to quality early childhood slots for economically disadvantaged families while improving governance and eligibility processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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