The bill, S.B. No. 42, aims to provide free full-day prekindergarten for certain children in Texas. It amends existing provisions in 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. Additionally, the bill specifies that a child is eligible for enrollment 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. The bill also clarifies that no tuition can be charged for these prekindergarten classes.

Further amendments include the requirement for school districts to report demographic information and other relevant data regarding prekindergarten classes in their Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) reports. The bill eliminates provisions that allowed for half-day prekindergarten classes for children under four years of age and mandates that all prekindergarten classes be operated on a full-day basis for eligible children. The act is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with provisions for immediate effect if it receives the necessary legislative approval.

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