| Date: | 10/19/2022 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Department of Early Education and Care |
| Regulatory Authority: | MGL c. 15d, §§ 3, and 18 |
| Official Version: | Public comment notice for Early Education and Out of School Time Capital Fund Program 606 CMR 15 |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
In accordance with G.L. c. 30A, the Board of Early Education and Care (EEC) is proposing amendments to its regulations found at 606 CMR 15.00, pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 15D §§ 3 and 18. The proposed regulation amendments are to the Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund Grant Program.
The proposed draft amendments propose to change the current regulations for the FY23 grant cycle as follows:
- Allow the Commissioner to change the length of the grant period. See 606 CMR 15.04(2)(c).
- Allow the Commissioner to change the timetable for grant recapture in case of default to reflect the shorter grant periods. See 606 CMR 15.04(2)(d).
- Allow the Commissioner to waive the requirement for a recorded Land Use Restriction against the property receiving the EEOST grant. See 606 CMR 15.04(2)(e).
- Allow the Commissioner to waive the requirement for a recorded Mortgage Lien against the property receiving the EEOST grant. See 606 CMR 15.04(2)(f).
The purpose of these amendments is to allow EEC-licensed early education and out of school time programs to finance capital improvements for their safety around health issues to assist with ongoing pandemic recovery efforts.
At the October 11, 2022, Board meeting, Board Members expressed particular interest in receiving comments about whether these proposed changes should be made permanent and, more specifically, whether the Commissioner should retain the discretion to change grant length, recapture timeframe, and the requirements concerning Land Use Restrictions and Mortgage Liens after the FY 23 grant cycle.
EEC will accept comments on the proposed regulations via e-mail to christine.mcgrath@mass.gov, or in writing to Department of Early Education and Care 50 Milk Street, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 ATTN: EEOST REGULATIONS: LEGAL until 5:00 p.m. on November 4, 2022. To obtain a copy of the proposed regulations, please visit EEC’s website at www.mass.gov/eec