Committee approves measure to create ADE account for Imagination Library; funding to be decided later

Sponsor described SB 285 as a statutory vehicle to allow ADE to hold funds for the Arkansas Imagination Library program; the measure does not appropriate state funds. The sponsor told the committee the program has existing county-level matching structure, and a federal grant has been covering 50% of costs; that grant is set to expire next year.

The sponsor said no current state money is requested: "We're not asking for any money. $0. All we're doing is creating an account where money can be deposited into at ADE," the sponsor said. Committee members asked about long-term cost; the sponsor estimated a $1.5 million annual state match would cover a 50% statewide contribution if elected.

Questions addressed who selects books; the sponsor said the Dollywood Foundation selects materials through its early-childhood panel and the state would not have editorial control. Val Haybrock of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families testified in support, citing neuroscience and literacy statistics to argue for early-book access.

The committee voted to approve SB 285 as amended and reported the bill out of committee for further consideration.