SB 1159 - This act establishes the "Coordinating Board for Early Childhood" within the Children's Services Commission. The Coordinating Board will be a corporate body and will consist of nineteen representatives, including representation from the various departments, the governor's office, the family and community trust board, and the head start program. The Coordinating Board shall elect a chairperson and may promulgate any other rules it deems necessary. Members of the Coordinating Board will serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for any expenses incurred.

Among other things, the Coordinating Board shall have the power to:

-develop a comprehensive statewide plan for the early childhood system;

-confer with public and private entities;

-promote coordination of existing services from public and private entities;

-identify service gaps and offer advice on how to close such gaps;

-evaluate programs on an ongoing basis;

-administer the "Coordinating Board of Early Childhood Fund" and invest any portion of the moneys;

-assess and charge fees; and

-sue and be sued.

This act also creates the Coordinating Board for Early Childhood Fund. Moneys deposited in the fund shall include appropriations from the General Assembly, grants, fees, or interest on deposits.

This act is identical to HB 1190 (2004).

The provisions of this act are contained within CCS/SS/SCS/HS/HCS/HB 1453 (2004).
LORIE TOWE