Committee forwards 'Promising Futures' childcare package proposing new fund from vaping/hemp revenues
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Summary
HB1979 would create a Promising Futures Fund to expand childcare assistance to families up to 150% of median income, launch two three‑year pilots (workforce scholarships and voluntary employer CareShares), and target funding from vaping or hemp‑derived cannabinoid product revenues. Committee sent the bill to Finance, Ways and Means (8‑1‑2).
Chairman White presented House Bill 1979, the "Promising Futures" childcare proposal, saying Tennessee faces shortages in child‑care staff and affordability that force parents out of the workforce. The bill would: 1) create the Promising Futures Fund proposed to be supported by dedicated revenue sources such as vaping or hemp‑derived cannabinoid product taxes or fees; 2) expand the Small Smart Steps child care payment assistance to families up to 150% of median income; and 3) fund two three‑year pilot programs — a childcare workforce scholarship to recruit and retain workers and a voluntary employer CareShares program to promote employer investment in childcare.
"The primary drivers of the problem are ... the industry's labor shortage of teachers and childcare compensation isn't competitive," the sponsor said, describing workforce scholarships and employer incentives as common strategies used by other states.
Members asked whether smaller rural hospitals could provide sufficient supervision for provisional physicians in a separate health bill that followed; on HB1979, discussion focused on program design, dedicated funding sources and pilot administration. The clerk recorded 8 ayes, 1 nay and 2 present not voting; HB1979 moves to Finance, Ways and Means for budget consideration.
Next steps: the bill will be considered by Finance, Ways and Means for detailed fiscal review and potential appropriation.
