The bill, S.B. No. 175, aims to provide free prekindergarten education for certain children in Texas. It amends the Education Code to allow any child who is at least three years old to enroll in prekindergarten classes, removing the previous requirement that a district must identify at least 15 eligible children to offer such classes. Additionally, the bill specifies that school districts cannot charge tuition for prekindergarten classes. It also updates the average daily attendance calculations for prekindergarten programs, distinguishing between half-day and full-day programs, and establishes eligibility criteria for districts operating these programs.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several sections of the Education Code that previously outlined eligibility criteria for prekindergarten enrollment and related reporting requirements. It mandates that the Texas Education Agency produce annual reports on early education, detailing various metrics such as student performance and enrollment statistics. 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 majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.02124, Education Code 29.1543, Education Code 48.005, Education Code 29.153 (Education Code 48, Education Code 28, Education Code 29)