The bill amends the Education Code to expand the eligibility criteria for children to enroll in free prekindergarten programs in public schools. Specifically, it adds a new category of eligibility for children who are the children of full-time employees of the school district. This insertion is made in Section 29.153(b), which outlines the various circumstances under which a child qualifies for enrollment. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children who qualify under certain conditions, including those whose parents are active duty military members or school district employees, will maintain their eligibility even if their parent's status changes.

The bill also modifies the language regarding the eligibility of children whose parents leave the armed forces or are no longer employed by the school district, ensuring that these children can continue their enrollment in prekindergarten classes. The changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and the bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 29.153 (Education Code 29)