1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) "political subdivision" means a town, city, county, or school district;

   2. (b) "qualified sponsor" means a:

      1. (i) political subdivision;
      2. (ii) community nonprofit, religious, or charitable organization;
      3. (iii) regional or statewide nonprofit organization; or
      4. (iv) private for profit or nonprofit child care organization with experience and expertise in operating community-based prevention programs described in Subsection (2) and that are licensed under Title 26B, Chapter 2, Part 1, Human Services Programs and Facilities.

2. (2) Within appropriations from the Legislature, the department may provide grants to qualified sponsors for community-based prevention programs that:

   1. (a) support parents in their primary care giving role to children;
   2. (b) provide positive alternatives to idleness for school-aged children when school is not in session; and
   3. (c) support other community-based prevention programs.

3. (3) In awarding a grant under this section, the department shall:

   1. (a) request proposals for funding from potential qualified sponsors; and
   2. (b) ensure that each dollar of funds from political subdivisions or private funds is matched for each dollar received from the department.
4. (4) In meeting the matching requirements under Subsection (3), the department may consider the value of in-kind contributions, including materials, supplies, paid labor, volunteer labor, and the incremental increase in building maintenance and operation expenses incurred attributable to the prevention program.

5. (5) In awarding a grant under this section, the department shall consider:

   1. (a) the cash portion of the proposed match in relation to the financial resources of the qualified sponsor; and

   2. (b) the extent to which the qualified sponsor has:

      1. (i) consulted and collaborated with parents of children who are likely to participate, local parent-teacher organizations, and other parent organizations;
      2. (ii) identified at-risk factors that will be addressed through the proposed prevention program;
      3. (iii) identified protective factors and developmental assets that will be supported and strengthened through the proposed prevention program; and
      4. (iv) encouraged the financial support of parents and the organizations described in Subsection (5)(b)(i).
6. (6) The department shall award at least 50% of the grants under this section to organizations described in Subsection (1)(b)(iv).
7. (7) The department may not allow the use of federal funds as matching funds under this act.

Amended by Chapter 328, 2023 General Session