Committee advances bill to expand after-school care access for public pre-K students

House Bill 1123 (LC492546), presented by Madam Pro Tem (Speaker 5), would require public elementary schools that offer public pre-K and also make after-school care available to elementary families to provide that aftercare on the same basis to pre-K students.

Madam Pro Tem said the provision is narrow: 115 school systems offer public pre-K and after-school services, and the bill would affect about 22 systems that currently do not offer aftercare to pre-K students at the same school. She framed the change as easing burdens on families who otherwise must shuttle children between different providers.

Committee members expressed support; a motion to 'do pass' was made and seconded, and the committee approved the bill by voice vote. The transcript records the motion and the chairman reading LC492546, with 'Aye' recorded and the bill advanced out of committee.