88(3) HB 53 - Introduced version - Bill Text
 
 
  By:  Bucy H.B.  No.  53
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to providing free full-day prekindergarten for certain
  children.
               BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
               SECTION  1.    Sections 29.153(a-1), (b), (c), (d), and (f),
  Education Code, are amended to read as follows:
               (a-1)    A district shall offer prekindergarten classes to any
  child [if the district identifies 15 or more children] who is [are
  eligible under Subsection (b) and are] at least four years of age.
  A school district may offer prekindergarten classes if the district
  identifies 15 or more [eligible] children who are eligible under
  Subsection (b)(1) [at least three years of age]. A district may not
  charge tuition for a prekindergarten class offered under this
  section.
               (b)    A child is eligible for enrollment in a prekindergarten
  class under this section if the child is:
                           (1)    at least three years of age and:
                                       (A)  [(1)]    is unable to speak and comprehend the
  English language;
                                       (B)  [(2)]    is educationally disadvantaged;
                                       (C)  [(3)]    is homeless, regardless of the
  residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the
  child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the
  child;
                                       (D)  [(4)]    is the child of an active duty member
  of the armed forces of the United States, including the state
  military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is
  ordered to active duty by proper authority;
                                       (E)  [(5)]    is the child of a member of the armed
  forces of the United States, including the state military forces or
  a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed
  while serving on active duty;
                                       (F)  [(6)]    is or ever has been in:
                                                   (i)  [(A)]    the conservatorship of the
  Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary
  hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or
                                                   (ii)  [(B)]    foster care in another state or
  territory, if the child resides in this state; or
                                       (G)  [(7)]    is the child of a person eligible for
  the Star of Texas Award as:
                                                   (i)  [(A)]    a peace officer under Section
  3106.002, Government Code;
                                                   (ii)  [(B)]    a firefighter under Section
  3106.003, Government Code; or
                                                   (iii)  [(C)]    an emergency medical first
  responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code; or
                           (2)    at least four years of age.
               (c)    A prekindergarten class under this section [may be
  operated on a half-day basis for children under four years of age
  and] shall be operated on a full-day basis [for children who are at
  least four years of age]. A district is not required to provide
  transportation for a prekindergarten class, but transportation, if
  provided, is included for funding purposes as part of the regular
  transportation system.
               (d)    Subject to Subsections (d-1) and (d-2), on application
  of a district, the commissioner shall exempt a district from the
  application of all or any part of this section, including all or any
  part of Subchapter E-1 for a prekindergarten class described by
  Subsection (c-1), if the commissioner determines that[:
                           [(1)]    the district would be required to construct
  classroom facilities in order to provide prekindergarten classes[;
  or
                           [(2)    implementing any part of this section would
  result in fewer eligible children being enrolled in a
  prekindergar

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.1531, Education Code 29.1532 (Education Code 29)