SF0014

Establishes the Wyoming imagination library program to provide free monthly books to children ages birth to five years old in participating counties.

• Creates the Wyoming imagination library program under the department of education with the purpose of promoting early childhood literacy development in children from birth to five years old. (W.S. 21-2-205(b))
• Requires the department of education to coordinate with a qualified nonprofit organization to provide at least one age-appropriate book monthly to each registered eligible child in participating counties at no cost to families. (W.S. 21-2-205(c)(i))
• Requires the department of education and nonprofit partner to promote statewide development of county-based affiliate programs, increase enrollment, and conduct public awareness campaigns about the program. (W.S. 21-2-205(c)(ii), W.S. 21-2-205(c)(iii))
• Establishes a 50% local funding match requirement where each participating county-based affiliate program must contribute half the funds needed to operate locally, with the department providing matching state funds from the program account. (W.S. 21-2-205(d))
• Creates the Wyoming imagination library program account to receive and manage legislative appropriations, grants, gifts, donations, and bequests, with unobligated funds remaining available rather than reverting. (W.S. 21-2-205(e))
• Authorizes continuous appropriation of account funds to the department of education for program administration and state matching contributions as required. (W.S. 21-2-205(f))
• Requires the department of education to promulgate rules necessary to implement the program. (W.S. 21-2-205(h))
• Appropriates $320,000 from the general fund to the Wyoming imagination library program account, with this appropriation not to be transferred or expended for other purposes and to be retained by the department as part of its standard budget. (Section 2)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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