SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 452

BYRepresentatives Locke, Cole, Wang, Belcher, O'Brien, Pruitt, Leonard, Unsoeld, McMullen and Miller; by request of Governor Gardner and Superintendent of Public Instruction

Changing provisions relating to school-based day care.

House Committe on Education

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1987; March 31, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Rinehart, Bailey, Bender, Patterson, Smitherman.

Senate Staff:Marcia Costello (786-7419)

                  March 31, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 31, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Task Force on Children's Day Care was formed by the Governor by Executive Order No. EO 85-05 on July 5, 1985.  The Task Force was to study key issues in day care and to advise the Governor and Legislature and the public on actions which might impact day care issues.

Included in the Task Force report issued in December of 1985 is a recommendation that rules and statutes pertaining to the involvement of public schools in day care be clarified to encourage the participation of local school districts.

A recent opinion of the Office of the Attorney General (AGO 1987 No. 1) indicates that:  (1) school districts have authority to provide programs that offer care for children; (2) the facilities of the district may be used for this purpose; (3) school district funds may be used for the operation of child care programs and for the construction or remodeling of facilities to house such programs; and (4) that school districts are authorized to charge fees for child care services.

SUMMARY:

School districts are allowed to contract with public and private entities to provide child care and instruction to children on the school site or elsewhere.  In addition, school districts may provide for the reduction or waiver of charges for the care based on the financial ability of the parent or guardian to pay for the services.  School districts may also transport the children involved in such a program using district owned or contracted vehicles.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The state basic education appropriation and the state transportation appropriation may not be used by school districts for the purposes of this act.  No child three years of age or younger may be transported unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Ann Daley, Governor's office; Bill Daley, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction