The bill, S.B. No. 42, aims to provide free full-day prekindergarten for certain children in Texas. It amends various sections of the Education Code to expand eligibility for prekindergarten classes. Notably, it allows school districts to offer prekindergarten classes to any child who is at least four years old, rather than requiring the identification of 15 or more eligible children. The bill also specifies that a child is eligible if they are at least three years old and meet certain criteria, including being educationally disadvantaged, homeless, or the child of an active duty military member. Additionally, the bill mandates that prekindergarten classes must be operated on a full-day basis.

Further amendments include the requirement for school districts to report demographic information about students enrolled in prekindergarten classes, including the number of eligible students and the sources of funding for these programs. The bill also clarifies that children who are eligible due to their parents' military status remain eligible even if their parent leaves active duty. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will be enacted immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

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